Forest fires rage in northern Thailand

The centre's report said Phetchabun province recorded 82 hotspots - the highest in the region - with fires spreading across most of the province.

The latest data released at 7 a.m. on February 13 shows the scale of the crisis. While specific data for other provinces were not available at press time, Phetchabun’s 82 hotspots are of significant concern. Of these, 32 are in forest reserves, 21 are in land reform areas, 15 are on agricultural land, 11 are in protected forests, and three are in community areas.

Since February 1, Phetchabun province has seen a total of 587 hotspots. The fires have posed a direct threat to communities and even religious sites. The high number of fires, especially in protected areas, underscores the challenges authorities face in managing forest fires and protecting valuable natural resources. The cause of the fires is still under investigation and the Forest Fire Control Center is expected to provide further updates.

In a related development, Phetchabun provincial authorities have stepped up efforts to curb illegal forest fires following a spate of violations of the province’s ban on forest fires. Governor Saranyu Meethongkam has launched a campaign called “Stop Burning, Stop Dreaming, For You, For Us,” to raise awareness and prevent further incidents.

Meanwhile, in Khao Kho National Park in Phetchabun province, firefighters are racing against time to contain a fire that has already burned about 1.6 hectares of forest. The fires continue to spread, posing a significant threat to the area’s ecosystem.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/chay-rung-hoanh-hanh-o-mien-bac-thai-lan-242793.html