Chaiyaphum: Firefighters continue battling the Phu Khiao forest fire for three consecutive days, using helicopters to drop water to contain the blaze and reduce dust. Efforts to extinguish the Phu Khieo forest fire continued for three days, successfully bringing it under control. The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment deployed helicopters to drop over 38,500 liters of water, containing damage to 190 rai of land and mitigating the impact of PM2.5 pollution.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary War Room reported on the progress of the wildfire control mission in the Nong Plong - Sapung Nuea area of Chaiyaphum Province. Over 100 officials and volunteers participated in the operation continuously for three days, with aircraft support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, successfully bringing the situation under control.
The deputy spokesperson stated that, following the detection of 21 accumulated hotspots in the border area of Nong Waeng Subdistrict, Nong Bua Daeng District, the intensity of firefighting efforts has been intensified, particularly in steep, difficult-to-access areas. This involves integrated efforts by forestry agencies, local administration, and local government organizations, including ground-based firefighting, the creation of firebreaks, and the use of helicopters to drop water 77 times, totaling 38,500 liters of water.
The operation resulted in an affected area of approximately 190 rai. The fire was completely brought under control, and the mission was declared complete at 5:00 PM on the same day. During the final stages of the operation, officials conducted a thorough on-foot inspection of the fire lines to ensure that any smoldering underground is completely extinguished, preventing re-ignition and minimizing the health impact of PM2.5 smoke on the surrounding areas.
The deputy spokesperson stated that the monitoring center in the forest area of Chaiyaphum province continues to track the situation 24 hours a day. The public is requested to refrain from open burning in all cases, and anyone observing forest fires or unusual smoke should immediately report it to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation hotline at 1362 to help protect natural resources and reduce air pollution.