3 districts named disaster zones as fire at Khuan Khreng peat forest rages on

By Krissana Thiwatsirikul
The Nation

 

Nation/Charoon Thongnual

 

The fire at Khuan Khreng peat forest in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat continued to rage on Thursday, prompting local authorities to declare three districts as disaster zones. The fires began on Tuesday.

 

On Thursday, deputy governor Thawornwat Khongkaew added Hua Sai district to the disaster-zone list, along with Chian Yai and Chalerm Phrakiat districts. 

 

The Royal Irrigation Department, meanwhile, has dispatched large pumps to pull water from the Cha Uat-Phraek Muang canal to help fire-fighters in Chiang Yai’s hard-hit Tambon Karaked. The Fourth Army Region has also sent 100 soldiers and set up two mobile kitchens to help. 

 

The irrigation department has also delivered water pumps to spray down the Samed Khao peat forest in a move to prevent fires from sparking. This forest is used as a nature learning centre by Chaipattana Foundation. 

 

Meanwhile, farmers remain helpless as flames threaten to reach their oil-palm and rubber plantations because fire engines and hose lines are reportedly unable to reach them. 

 

Deputy Interior Minister Nipon Bunyamanee also visited Chian Yai district on Thursday and called on officials to quickly contain the raging flames and take care of local residents as the billowing smoke is threatening to cause respiratory problems.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30374075

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-08-01

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14 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

The fire at Khuan Khreng peat forest in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat continued to rage on Thursday, prompting local authorities to declare three districts as disaster zones. The fires began on Tuesday

Hope the southerly rains that are forecast help dampen things down a bit.