Dangerous Wildfires Batter Tak Province for Days, Air Quality Plummets

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Wildfires have ravaged Doi Nam Dip in Thailand's Tak province for over three days, worsening air pollution. The fires led to high PM2.5 levels, reaching 45.9 micrograms per cubic meter in Mae Pa, Mae Sot district, which is hazardous to health. Residents are advised to stay indoors to avoid respiratory issues and eye irritation.

The blaze continues in Mae Salid and Pong Daeng national forest reserves, dangerously close to Phahon Yothin Road. Local fire departments, forest officers, and community networks are working tirelessly to contain the flames, which can be seen visibly from the highway.

Warakij Tojamroen, from the Forest Protection and Fire Control Division, is overseeing operations on-site. The 'swing force' strategy is being used to deploy firefighters to the most critical areas first. Despite some containment success, large areas remain damaged.

Tak's governor, Chucheep Pongchai, is escalating efforts to reduce smoke and prevent future fires. Campaigns target minimizing agricultural burning and promoting forest preservation. Over 700 wildfire incidents have been reported in national forest reserves since the beginning of the year.

Satellite imaging from February 4 revealed 49 new fire hotspots in the province, signaling that the threat is far from over. Residents remain on edge, as the fight against these destructive wildfires continues.