Fire Extinguished After Burning Through Khao Krathing for Two Days

UPDATE

Picture from responders.

A forest fire that ravaged Khao Krathing in Sattahip District, Chonburi, for two days has been successfully extinguished. Officials have confirmed that the cause of the fire was not natural but the result of human activity, with evidence also showing pipes illegally laid up the mountain contributed to the spread of the flames.

The fire began on the evening of 17 January at 19:30, rapidly spreading across a vast area of forest in Moo 6, Klet Kaew Subdistrict. Firefighting teams were quickly deployed to prevent the blaze from encroaching on nearby residential areas.

Dr Chalermchai Sri-on, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, responded by dispatching a helicopter to assist in tackling the fire on the mountainous terrain. In addition, 40 forestry officials were sent to create firebreaks in an urgent effort to halt the blaze.

On 19 January, Mr Anusak Piriyamor, District Chief of Sattahip, inspected the area alongside Mrs Thanyapat Akkaraphutthathip, Deputy Mayor of Klet Kaew Subdistrict, and personnel from various agencies, including the Royal Thai Navy, forestry officials, and local authorities.

A command centre was established to manage the firefighting operations effectively. The Royal Thai Navy’s helicopter and a helicopter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment conducted multiple dropping missions over two days. Ground teams also worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames.

By the afternoon of 19 January, aerial surveys confirmed that the fire had been fully extinguished, with no visible flames or smoke. However, ground teams discovered that the blaze had been fuelled by pipes illegally laid on the mountain, which acted as a source of ignition and contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

The Royal Thai Navy played a crucial role in the firefighting efforts, adapting their operations to include forest fire suppression. In a mission dubbed “Operation Dawn,” the Navy deployed a Seahawk helicopter, typically used in anti-submarine warfare, to tackle the blaze.

This operation highlights the Navy’s commitment to standing alongside the public in times of crisis. With their efforts, the fire was contained, and peace was restored to the local community.

This incident underscores the need for increased vigilance against human activity that poses a threat to natural resources and public safety. Authorities are investigating the incident further to identify those responsible for laying the pipes that contributed to the disaster.

Related article:

https://aseannow.com/topic/1349157-forest-fire-on-khao-krathing-sattahip-poses-threat-to-residential-areas/

-- 2025-01-20