Protected Areas Regional Office 16 Director Kritsayam Kongsatree has reported that proactive patrolling in Chiang Mai and nearby northern areas has resulted in a 79% decrease in forest fires this year, with only 67 hotspots detected since January 1.
The Office, a part of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation (DNP), manages 19 forests spanning 7.8 million rai across Chiang Mai and Lamphun. The decrease in forest fires is particularly crucial as they contribute to the worsening PM2.5 air pollution in the North.
In anticipation of the upcoming dry season and consequent drying of forest foliage, the DNP plans to deploy additional patrol units to approximately 300 critical areas, commencing from February 15 for a duration of two months. This strategic move is part of an effort to mitigate fire risks, including the enforcement of restrictions on local villagers from harvesting forest edibles such as mushrooms, a practice that poses potential fire hazards.
Approximately 1,290 officials are currently tasked with forest fire prevention, with support from other local agencies. However, an extra 300 firefighters are expected to join during the dry season. These additional personnel will focus on areas including Mae Ping National Park, Om Koi Wildlife Sanctuary, Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, and forests in the provinces of Chiang Mai, Lamphun, and Tak. (NNT)
