Newsletter: Satellite data show smoke from Navotas fire reached as far as Bataan

[THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE]

This map shows how far smoke spread in the aftermath of the Navotas landfill fire, which broke out at approximately 8PM on April 10, 2026. The time-lapse map shows hourly snapshots from 7:45AM (featured) to 3:45PM on the following day, April 11. Darker colors indicate higher levels of nitrogen dioxide, a proxy for smoke extent, which can be measured during daytime using satellite data.

On the morning of 11 April 2026, high nitrogen dioxide was observed over Navotas City, with elevated levels extending as far as Bataan due to predominantly westward wind from Navotas. By the afternoon of 11 April, NO₂ concentrations had decreased but remained relatively high across Metro Manila.

Observations are consistent with reports and measurements on the ground that the air quality impacts of the landfill fire extended beyond the immediate vicinity. This demonstrates how satellite data allows us to monitor air quality, as well as other impacts on the Philippine environment.

[END OF PRESS RELEASE]