Forest fire in Phetchabun destroys 180 rai, suspects arrested

Photo via KhaoSod

By Ryan Turner

National park officials worked overnight to extinguish a forest fire in Huai Rangka, which destroyed approximately 180 rai, yesterday, February 2, in Phetchabun province.

The blaze is suspected to have been started by people hunting or foraging. On the same day, several sugarcane field fires were reported along roadsides, resulting in the arrest of two people.

Ronnarat Sirimakorn, head of Thad Mok National Park, disclosed that hotspot alerts were detected in Huai Rangka forest, located in Mueang Phetchabun district.

In response, teams from Thad Mok National Park and Wang Thadi Forest Park were mobilised to tackle the fire from 1pm on February 1 through the night.

The fire was successfully contained and extinguished by 11am the following day, with 180 rai of forests affected. It is believed that the fire was intentionally started for hunting or collecting forest products.

Ronnarat appealed to residents for cooperation, especially during the dry season when forest fires and haze pose significant concerns. He urged the community to foster a sense of environmental responsibility by refraining from starting fires and to report any incidents or suspicious activities related to fire to the emergency hotline 1362, available 24/7.

On Saturday evening, February 1, fires were also reported in sugarcane fields in Wichian Buri district, Phetchabun province. Specifically, these fires occurred at Moo 16, Tha Rong subdistrict at 7.40pm; Moo 5, Tha Rong subdistrict at 1.10am; and along the roadside at Moo 6, Tha Rong subdistrict at 10pm.

Firefighters were contacted to manage these fires, which are believed to have been intentionally set. Subsequently, two individuals were apprehended and charged by police at Wichian Buri Police Station.

Furthermore, Saranyu Meethongkham, the governor of Phetchabun, announced a campaign to raise awareness and prevent forest fires, haze, and PM2.5 pollution. The initiative, titled Stop Burning, Stop Dreaming, For You, For Us, will involve door-to-door visits to educate residents on the importance of not starting fires.

The campaign is set to launch in Wichian Buri district today, February 3, reported KhaoSod.