Chiang Mai forests ravaged by wildfires
FIRES HAVE DEVAStated approximately 30,000 rai (4,800 hectares) of forest across three districts in Chiang Mai province, local officials confirmed on Monday (Feb 26).
The blazes, which began about a week ago, erupting almost simultaneously in Hot, Chomg Thong, and Mae Cham districts, continue to burn uncontrolled and have primarily affected the Ob Luang National Park.
The fires have been especially visible at night, lighting the sky red, while during the day white smoke covers the areas, indicating the consumption of dry foliage by the flames.
Villagers’ practices of searching for edible foods and the burning of farm remnants are believed to be the cause of these fires, officials said.
Deputy Chiang Mai Governor Thossapol Puanudom said that he is actively involved in managing efforts to extinguish the fires.
The challenging terrain of the high mountain areas, coupled with the current dry and hot weather, has made firefighting efforts particularly difficult, he explained.
In response to the crisis, the fire command center in Hot district has requested aerial support from the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, which in turn is seeking assistance from the Third Army Area for aircraft to aid in combating the fires.
Additionally, the Chiang Mai PM2.5 monitoring centre has identified 69 hotspots in the region as of Monday, with the majority located in Hot district.
Other affected areas include the districts of Mae Cham, Doi Tao, Chomg Thong, Mae Taeng, San Sai, Prao, Mae Kwang and Chiang Dao.