The issue of increasing forest fires under the 1997/98 El Niño is explored with reference to Indonesia. The reasons behind the increase in fires are examined as are those behind the gravity of both the fires and the fire haze produced. The way in which fires have been started and the reasons for starting them are explored looking at the role of traditional land use, the link between land tenure conflicts and fire, and the contribution of commercial tree plantations. Costs and consequences of the fires are discussed. Approaches to controlling fires and smoke haze in the future are discussed with reference to the international community and to the Indonesian government.
