Indonesia’s deputy environment minister has called on regional administrations to proactively prevent landfill fires as the country braces for the effects of the El Niño weather phenomenon. The dry conditions associated with El Niño significantly increase the risk of spontaneous combustion in landfills, potentially leading to widespread haze and public health concerns. The minister emphasized the need for preventative measures, including optimized landfill management practices, such as covering waste with soil and regularly monitoring temperature. Regional governments are instructed to formulate detailed action plans focusing on fire prevention and swift response capabilities. Authorities also highlighted the importance of community involvement in monitoring and reporting potential fire hazards. Preventing these fires is crucial to mitigate air pollution and protect public health during the anticipated dry season. Failure to prepare could result in a resurgence of the damaging haze events seen in previous El Niño years.