---
title: "How local teams protect wildlife from Kalimantan’s fires"
canonical: https://smallgoodthings.org/explainers/kalimantan-wildlife-fire-response/
datePublished: 2026-09-23
dateModified: 2026-09-23
---

# How local teams protect wildlife from Kalimantan’s fires

In Indonesian Borneo, fire can damage orangutan habitat and expose animals to smoke. Local conservation teams respond at different stages: patrol and prevention, emergency readiness, authorised rescue, veterinary care and recovery. A fundraiser's intention to support those stages is separate from grants made or animals helped.

## Prevention and response

In a [2 September 2026 field account](https://www.orangutan.or.id/behind-fire-prevention-episode-2), BOS Foundation described patrols around Mantangai in Central Kalimantan, checking for smoke and dry areas and pumping water into drying peat. The [Indonesian Ministry of Forestry's 5 September report](https://www.kehutanan.go.id/news/hadapi-dampak-karhutla-satgas-penyelamatan-satwa-liar-kalteng-diperkuat) described stronger coordination and preparations for wildlife respiratory care. Those reports document actions and readiness, not a count of animals saved by a separate appeal.

## Outcomes and attribution

International Animal Rescue [reported treatment](https://www.internationalanimalrescue.org/news/male-orangutan-found-suffering-effects-forest-fire-smoke) for an orangutan called Sampurna. The [Indonesian forestry ministry](https://www.kehutanan.go.id/news/bksda-kalbar-tangani-orangutan-sempurna-yang-diduga-terdampak-asap-karhutla), spelling his name Sempurna, later confirmed he died and described smoke exposure as a suspected contributing factor. Treatment and survival are different outcomes; this case should not be used as evidence that a particular fundraiser saved him.

## Assessing the WARN appeal

The [World Animal Rescue Network Kalimantan appeal](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/kalimantan-wildlife-fires/) describes possible support for habitat protection, equipment, authorised wildlife care and fire prevention or recovery. Its 8 September update said it was assessing needs and had not selected recipients. When checked on 23 September 2026, the live page still showed that update and no published grant records. The local programmes above are separate from the appeal. WARN is part of our editorial partner network; we receive no commission from its appeal links. Check its page for later changes.

Read the [full guide](https://smallgoodthings.org/explainers/kalimantan-wildlife-fire-response/) for further context, common questions and source notes.