Haze-choked Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai seal off forests

By Tossapol Boonpat 
The Nation

 

 

Mae Hong Son’s decision to bar entry to woodlands in a bid to curb forest fires and haze does not apply to local people who daily forage there for food and other necessities villagers, Deputy Governor Prachuap Ajarapong clarified on Monday.
 

Even locals would be checked to make sure they weren’t carrying matches or similar kindling materials, he said, but the forests are chiefly off-limits to hunters and other outsiders.

 

Forest fires continue to spring up in seven districts of the northern province despite a 60-day ban on outdoor burning imposed in mid-February.

 

In the past three days, the fires contributed to a rise in hazardous small-particle dust in the air beyond the safe level of 120 micrograms per cubic metre.

 

The Pollution Control Department reported the level at 128 micrograms on Saturday, 136 on Sunday and 133 on Monday.

 

Neighbouring Chiang Mai province has conditionally closed forests for seven days, from Sunday through March 31, similarly fearing woodland fires set deliberately or accidentally.

 

Chiang Mai Governor Pawin Chamniprasert announced the closure on Sunday at a City Hall meeting of relevant officials and representatives of 25 districts.

 

The only people who will be allowed into forests during those seven days will have the permission of a designated official and must have given advance notice of intended plans, schedule and route. They will not be allowed to take in any fire-starting materials.

 

Chiang Mai had 407 reports of “hotspots” between January 1 and March 24 – forest fires and field-clearing fires. There were 125 hotspots reported while a ban on outdoor burning was in effect from March 1-24.

 

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/breakingnews/30341750

 

-- © Copyright The Nation 2018-03-26

It is forbidden but: JUST DO IT! So far to the law and regulation issue from the government...

Talking the talk!

I can confirm no air left in the particles.

All these fires are set deliberately. The question is why do they do it? Burning off fallen leaves and small trees, seems pointless, all this stuff composts down during the rainy season to bring new life to the forest. Utterly destructive to the environment, to wildlife, and to fellow humans. Set real deterrents, large fines, and prison time for the miscreants.

20 minutes ago, Jeremy50 said:

All these fires are set deliberately. The question is why do they do it? Burning off fallen leaves and small trees, seems pointless, all this stuff composts down during the rainy season to bring new life to the forest. Utterly destructive to the environment, to wildlife, and to fellow humans. Set real deterrents, large fines, and prison time for the miscreants.

You ask why do they do it?

Well mate when we lived in the mountains 39 kilometers out of Mae Hong Son.

During burning season it was hell on earth.

My wife asked villagers why do you do it?

Two answers were given, first we do it because we can. 

Second answer, we do it to kill off all the dead leaves, branches, and allow new growth.

It helps the mushrooms to grow, and we can find many edible shoots to eat.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slash-and-burn