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Indonesia wildfire fuelled by El Niño razes almost 300 homes

The fire in Bangka Belitung province has forced hundreds to evacuate, while wildlife is badly hit and haze spreads as Indonesia fights several other blazes.

On air: Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on The Midday Show
Published 12:46 PM ET, Tuesday, October 13, 2026

At a glance

First reported by The Guardian: “Indonesia wildfire fuelled by El Niño razes almost 300 homes”.
Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 12:46 PM ET on The Midday Show, by Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
Topics: El Niño, Indonesia.
BBN covered this story before: Argentina closes Iguazu Falls as El Niño rains swell the river (October 12).

The real story

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

The GuardianIndonesia wildfire fuelled by El Niño razes almost 300 homes

What BBN said about it

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorA forest fire on Indonesia's Sumatra island has destroyed nearly three hundred homes, and hundreds of people have been forced to evacuate.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorResidents in Bangka Belitung province first spotted the flames approaching their village, and an official says El Niño is helping fuel the blaze.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorThe Guardian says conditions are being described as the worst in a decade, with wildlife also badly hit, and haze is spreading as the country fights several blazes.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorFor the families who lost their homes, the immediate needs are shelter, clean air and food, and that is where relief efforts are focused.
Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorAnd the haze matters well beyond the fire line, because smoke like this makes the air hard to breathe for people far from the flames.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorWe will keep following it.