Mae Hong Son Battles Ongoing Wildfires Amidst Thick Smoke and Haze

Picture courtesy of Thairath

In Mae Hong Son, persistent wildfires continue to challenge local authorities, who are ramping up efforts to combat the resulting smoke and haze. On April 1, Governor Ekawit Meephian took to the skies in a helicopter mission to identify and address wildfire hotspots threatening the area.

Starting at 9 am from the helipad of the Natural Resources and Environment Office, the governor, accompanied by Mae Hong Son Mayor Mallika Jeenakhum and other officials, embarked on an aerial survey. The initiative aimed to pinpoint burn sites around Mae Hong Son city, providing crucial information for ground teams tasked with extinguishing the wildfires.

Governor Ekawit emphasized the province's heightened measures to tackle the ongoing issues of wildfires, haze, and dust. Despite these interventions, numerous hotspots continue to feed smoke into the city, underscoring the importance of the helicopter patrol. Supported by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, this aerial operation spanned from March 30 to April 2.

According to the provincial wildfire prevention and resolution centre, 526 hotspots were detected on March 31 alone, adding to the 5,190 recorded since January 1. The air quality in the region is alarming, with PM2.5 levels recorded at harmful concentrations: 202.7 microgrammes per cubic metre in Mueang district, 99.7 in Mae Sariang district, and 118.9 in Pai district as of April 1.

Dense smoke has also affected visibility, reported at just 3 km by the Mae Hong Son Meteorological Office. In response, municipal teams are actively deploying fire trucks to spray water around key areas like Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu, aiming to mitigate dust levels and improve air quality.

This comprehensive approach highlights the province's commitment to overcoming the wildfire crisis, prioritizing the health and safety of its residents as efforts intensify to restore clear skies over Mae Hong Son, reported The Thaiger.