Pekanbaru, Riau – Hot spots have reappeared in Riau province over the last few days with thick haze blanketing Rokan Hilir regency and Dumai mayoralty, disrupting local residents' daily activities.

Pekanbaru Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency has warned Riau residents to be alert against possible forest fires as the dry season has arrived and will continue until September.

Agency head Sanya Gautami said the number of hot spots reached 79 as of Friday, jumping from only three on Monday. "Don't use fire to clear the land because a lot of peatland is highly flammable, especially during the dry season," Sanya said.

Fishermen in Rokan Hilir have not been able to go out to sea due to limited visibility from the haze.

Rokan Hilir Fishery Office head M Rusli Sarif said Friday that several fishermen had set sail, but later returned for fear of an accident. "Many poles have been installed in the sea on which to tie fish traps. As the poles are not visible, it is dangerous to sail there," Rusli said.