The Impact of Rewetting Peatland on Fire Hazard in Riau, Indonesia

Rewetting peatland is an ongoing effort in Indonesia to restore the hydrological cycle and carbon balance of ecosystem. However, quantifying impact rewetting on mitigating fire remains a challenge. Here, we assess large-scale risks occurrences (duration, coverage area, number events) 2015–2021. The weather research forecasting (WRF) model was integrated with drought–fire spatially quantify hazards Riau, Sumatra. results show that has resulted decreasing frequency extreme events study area (pre- post-rewetting, respectively, were seven four events). Although influenced by reduced following 5%, mean duration increased. Our findings reveal widespread prolonged only occurred during drying El Niño 2015 2019. obtained this case provide quantitative evidence hazard resulting from peat restoration Indonesia. Further, assist assessing success programs improve our knowledge ability monitor forecast tropical peatlands.