Chiang mai: A wildfire ignited near Wat Phra That Doi Suthep in Chiang Mai, spreading perilously close to the revered octagonal pavilion. Over a hundred monks, novices, staff, and local villagers, supported by a helicopter conducting water drops, mobilized in a concerted effort to control the blaze. The firefighting operation extended over three hours before successfully containing the fire.

According to Thai News Agency, the fire erupted behind Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Ratchaworawihan, located in the Suthep Subdistrict of Mueang Chiang Mai District. The flames originated on the eastern side of the temple near the octagonal pavilion. In response, fire patrols and ground forces were quickly deployed to tackle the blaze. A thermal imaging drone was utilized to accurately identify the fire's location and aid in strategizing the firefighting efforts. Around 100 personnel, including monks and local villagers, were mobilized to create firebreaks and combat the flames. Additionally, a helicopter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment sourced water from Ang Kaew Reservoir at Chiang Mai University for aerial water drops. Ground efforts were bolstered by fire trucks from the Doi Suthep Subdistrict Municipality, while monks and villagers formed lines to manually deliver buckets of water to extinguish the fire threatening the temple and nearby residences.

Authorities have managed to bring the wildfire under control after an intense three-hour operation. Despite this achievement, monitoring continues to ensure that the fire does not reignite.