A thick, smoky haze is covering Singapore leading to dangerous health conditions for those in the region.
Air pollution levels reached the highest seen so far this year in Singapore this week, resulting in school closures on Friday and some outdoor events were also canceled.
The Straits Times reported that this was the first time schools in Singapore were closed due to the haze.
Satellite image on Sept. 24, 2015 showing the smoke plumes from Indonesia as well as the thick, smoky haze across Singapore and much of Indonesia and Malaysia. (NASA)
Anti-pollution masks were distributed to the elderly and other vulnerable people, according to the Jakarta Post.
Haze is produced when light is reflected off particles in the air. In this case, smoke and visibility is reduced.
Forest fires in portions of Indonesia and Malaysia are the origin of the smoke which has been transported to Singapore by the prevailing southwest winds.
These fires are an annual occurrence due to land clearing methods in the region. Singapore's Environment Minister Vivian Balakrishnan has said that, "The Singapore government is currently examining how to apply more economic pressure against errant companies."
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