Forest Fire Nearly Spreads to Homes in Uthai Thani, Authorities Suspect Human Cause

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A forest fire that broke out in the heart of Muang Uthai Thani district came dangerously close to engulfing a residential community with over 20 homes on the afternoon of 9 April. Fortunately, swift action by firefighters prevented the blaze from causing widespread damage.

 

At around midday, local police from Muang Uthai Thani Police Station and municipal firefighters responded to reports of a spreading wildfire near Soi Rakkandee 13, commonly referred to by locals as the lane behind Valentine Snooker and Wat Manee Sathit Kapittharam.

 

Upon arrival, authorities found a forested area ablaze, with dense smoke blackening the sky. The fire had already consumed approximately 8 rai of land and was spreading rapidly, fuelled by the scorching heat and an abundance of dry, dead grass and vegetation.

 

Emergency crews deployed multiple fire engines and manually extended hoses deep into the affected area, to create a fire break. After around 45 minutes of intense firefighting, they managed to contain the flames. However, some residual hotspots remained and required further dousing to prevent reignition.

 

The area is home to more than 20 households, and residents rushed out of their homes in fear as flames advanced to within 10 metres of the nearest properties. One resident remarked, “We’ve lived with this dry land for years, and nothing like this has ever happened before. It must have been caused by someone.”

 

Police are investigating possible causes and have searched for cigarette butts and footprints in the area. Preliminary theories include a discarded lit cigarette or intentional burning to flush out field rats, a traditional yet dangerous practice. Officers also suspect someone may have started the fire while intoxicated or simply through careless behaviour.

 

Residents expressed outrage over the reckless act, which caused panic and threatened their safety. “It wasn’t a natural fire,” said one local. “There’s been dry grass here forever, but it’s never caught fire like this.”

 

Officials commended the firefighting teams for their rapid and effective response, which prevented the flames from reaching the nearby homes. Police have vowed to pursue the matter further and hold those responsible accountable for endangering lives and property.

 

 

-- 2025-04-10

 

[flyingtlger]

25 minutes ago, Georgealbert said:

“We’ve lived with this dry land for years, and nothing like this has ever happened before. It must have been caused by someone.”

 

That what the residents in Maui and Pacific Palisades said after the recent fires...........