Chiang Mai Declares Disaster Zones in Two Districts as Wildfires Rage

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Authorities in Chiang Mai have declared two districts as disaster zones due to severe wildfires, prompting an intensified firefighting operation involving water-bombing aircraft and strict law enforcement measures.

 

Jirayut Huangsup, an advisor to the National Command Centre for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, stated that emergency response teams had been deployed over the past week to battle the blazes. Ka-32 helicopters have been used to control the spread of fires in San Sai district, while the Department of Royal Rainmaking has deployed CN and Caravan aircraft to adjust atmospheric conditions and reduce air pollution in Mae Sariang and Khun Yuam districts in Mae Hong Son province.

 

Despite these efforts, hotspots continue to accumulate across 17 northern provinces, with a total of 2,595 detected. The highest concentration was recorded in Mae Hong Son (412 hotspots), followed by Tak (306) and Chiang Mai (229). Most fires are located within protected forests (1,111 hotspots) and national reserves (943 hotspots), making ground-based firefighting operations difficult, requiring extensive aerial support.

 

Chiang Mai authorities have officially designated Chiang Dao (Chiang Dao and Ping Khong subdistricts) and Omkoi (Yang Piang, Mae Tuen, and Mon Chong subdistricts) as disaster areas. This classification allows for the deployment of additional military personnel and enforcement teams to monitor, prevent, and prosecute illegal fire-related activities.

 

The disaster declaration is targeted, covering only specific subdistricts to contain the crisis efficiently and provide effective assistance to affected residents.

 

According to the Meteorological Department, air pollution remains severe across northern and northeastern Thailand due to weakening winds and transboundary haze from neighbouring countries. Satellite data has detected 7,997 hotspots in Myanmar and 5,148 in Laos, contributing to the worsening conditions.

 

Authorities have warned that from 29 March to 1 April, northern Thailand may experience a summer storm, which could help reduce pollution levels but may also bring thunderstorms and strong winds.

 

As firefighting operations continue, residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in fire-prone areas, and adhere to strict regulations against open burning.

 

-- 2025-03-28

 

[ChrisY1]

Is that a Russian chopper?

[Georgealbert]

9 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

Is that a Russian chopper?

Yes, the Kamov KA-32 helicopter, is a Russian-designed twin-rotor helicopter and is used by the Thai Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), which currently has four operational helicopters. 

 

The DDPM can configure the KA-32 helicopters for use in firefighting, rescue operations and haze pollution control.

 

[norfolkandchance]

9 minutes ago, ChrisY1 said:

Is that a Russian chopper?

KA-32 Russian. Thai Army.