Forest Fire on Khao Krathing, Sattahip Poses Threat to Residential Areas

[Georgealbert]

 

 

Picture from responders.

 

A fierce forest fire has erupted on Khao Krathing, near Bang Saray, Sattahip district, Chonburi, dangerously close to residential areas. Firefighters battled to contain the flames, which continue to spread uncontrollably. The cause of the fire remains undetermined, with authorities unable to confirm whether it is a natural phenomenon, accidental or intentional human action.

 

The fire was first reported at 19:30 in Moo 6, Kled Kaew Municipality. It began in the mid-section of the mountain and has rapidly spread. Despite extensive efforts, firefighting vehicles have not been able to reach the fire’s centre due to challenging steep and rough terrain.

 

Emergency teams from multiple agencies, including naval firefighters from Sattahip Naval Base, Kled Kaew Fire Department, and the Udomsak Subdistrict Municipality Fire Department, have formed a defensive line to prevent the fire from advancing into residential areas. Fire crews are on standby throughout the night, ready to respond to any situation, if the fire moves towards residential areas.

 

Authorities have urged residents to remain calm. Although the fire is yet to be brought under control, measures are in place to ensure the safety of the local population. Plans are being prepared to deploy aerial firefighting operations by the Royal Thai Navy on the morning of January 18, should the fire persist and it is found necessary.

 

 

-- 2025-01-18

 

 

[jacko45k]

Burning of trash and other items like cultivation fields is commonplace here, you can smell it most mornings when you get up.  So human induced would be my guess, there also seems to be a disconnect between cause and effect that often ends in tears. 

[mikebell]

SOP for getting rid of domestic/agricultural trash.  Part of the reason Thailand's air is so toxic.

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Fire at Khao Krathing, Sattahip: Royal Thai Navy Deploys Helicopter to Help Extinguish Blaze

 

Picture and video courtesy of Sattahip News.
 

The fire which has burnt all night at Khao Krathing in Sattahip, has prompted action from the Royal Thai Navy. A helicopter has been deployed to combat the flames, bringing much-needed reassurance to local residents.

Without the helicopter’s intervention, officials stated, the fire would have been nearly impossible access and to extinguish. Fire teams on the ground are still deployed to protect residential properties, if the fire spreads.

-- 2025-01-18

 

 

[LittleBear57]

Too close for comfort, but the wind is taking it away from my home fortunately. 

[flyingtlger]

At the least, it's not like not the fires in California....

[Hawaiian]

4 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

At the least, it's not like not the fires in California....

Yes, no Santa Ana type winds to spread the embers.

[Pattaya420]

hows the fire situations as of now?

[Georgealbert]

UPDATE
Firefighters Continue to Battle Blaze on Khao Krathing as Helicopters Join Effort

 

Picture from responders .

 

At 15.00 authorities gave an update that the fire continues to burn across Khao Krathing, forcing authorities to launch an extensive firefighting operation involving helicopters, forestry officers, and ground teams.

 

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment deployed helicopters in the afternoon of January 18, to survey the affected areas and prepare for water-bombing missions. Forestry officials and firefighters, have also been sent on foot to reach the source of the blaze deep within the hilly terrain.

 

Emergency crews have been battling the blaze for more than 20 hours straight. Despite their relentless efforts, the fire remains active, with new flare-ups occurring due to the rugged terrain and dry conditions.

 

 

The fire, which is still burning across multiple hotspots and is believed to have been started by human activity. Authorities have pointed to local grass burning as the cause, with the flames rapidly spreading into the surrounding forested areas.

 

“This is clearly the result of human actions,” one official stated. “Someone set fire to dry grass, and it quickly spread uphill. This has caused significant disruption and danger for everyone involved.”

 

Officials have warned that such irresponsible actions, including setting fires to clear land, have far-reaching consequences for the environment and communities nearby. They urged the public to avoid activities that could spark wildfires, particularly during the dry season.

 

The operation is ongoing, with authorities vowing to extinguish the fire, as fire crews remain on standby at strategic locations, to protect residential areas should the fire move close.

 

-- 2025-01-18