Satellite data shows NO2 concentration in Metro Manila down to pre-fire levels for two consecutive days

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. Coinciding with reports on Tuesday (28 April) that significant progress has been made in suppressing the fire, satellite data shows that nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration in Metro Manila has fallen below 6 April (pre-fire) levels for two consecutive days. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant produced from burning and is a component of smoke, and lower NO2 concentrations indicate a reduction in the volume of smoke emitted from the landfill fire. Observations are consistent with measurements on the ground by EMB NCR and Central Luzon that particulate matter or PM over Metro Manila has improved on Tuesday (28 April) and Wednesday (29 April). PhilSA will continue monitoring of NO2 to assist in quantifying the impact of ground interventions. Please follow local and national health agencies for the latest advisories. 

Daily monitoring of satellite data shows air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has done daily monitoring of satellite data since the Navotas landfill fire reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. As of Thursday (23 April), the Bureau of Fire Protection has reported “smoldering conditions” onsite and satellite data show that air quality in Metro Manila has not returned to normal levels. Daily monitoring of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration over Metro Manila (taken every 8:45AM), shows that levels are still higher than on 6 April, prior to the fire. Nitrogen dioxide is a pollutant produced from burning and is a component of smoke.

The map shows the estimated smoke extent over Metro Manila and surrounding provinces at 8:45AM on Thursday, 23 April. Colors indicate the level of concentration of NO2, with darker red colors indicating higher levels of concentration.

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

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.

Satellite image on Thursday, 16 April, shows 28.6 hectares burned in Navotas landfill fire

This image shows the estimated burned area affected in the Navotas landfill fire, which reportedly broke out on 10 April 2026. As of Thursday (16 April, 10:33AM), six days after the fire reportedly broke out, there was an estimated 28.58 hectares (~285,800 sqm) of burned area (delineated in red). For comparison, this area is slightly larger than the Quezon Memorial Circle.

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) produced this map and provided it to the NDRRMC. PhilSA’s support through images and maps provides wide-area coverage that guides NDRRMC in monitoring the situation and prioritizing areas for response. By making space data accessible to stakeholders, PhilSA enables informed decision-making and strengthens disaster response.