Accident Tragedy Strikes as Volunteer Firefighter Dies Battling Chiang Mai Wildfires

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Pictures courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The weekend saw a heartbreaking tragedy in Chiang Mai when Manit Sawansu, a 62-year-old volunteer firefighter, lost his life after his motorcycle veered off a hill road. Manit, a tireless volunteer ranger with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), had spent the day battling relentless wildfires in Khun Khan National Park, only to meet a tragic end on his way home.

 

As part of a 26-member team, Manit was fighting wildfires threatening the park's ecosystem and surrounding communities near Kong Khak Luang village in the Samoeng Tai subdistrict. The team endured gruelling conditions from 1:30 pm until about 8 pm on April 27, aiming to control flames and protect wildlife. After the arduous day, as Manit made his way home around 8:30 pm, fellow firefighters discovered his body and motorcycle 2 metres down a slope off the road.

 

Thaweewat Daengmanee, chief of Khun Khan National Park, attributed Manit’s fatal accident to the exhaustion from the day's intense firefighting efforts coupled with his age. "Exhaustion and his age likely played a role in this tragedy," he noted.

 

 

 

Manit's body was taken to Samoeng Hospital for a postmortem examination to ascertain the precise cause of death, though fatigue is believed to be a significant factor in the incident. This tragic loss underscores the peril faced by those dedicated to preserving the nation’s natural resources.

 

Wildfires have been a persistent threat in northern Thailand, particularly in the provinces of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, exacerbated by dry conditions and human activities such as agriculture and forest clearing. The brave efforts of volunteer firefighters, park rangers, and local authorities are crucial in combating these fires, which imperil biodiversity, air quality, and local communities.

 

The government has called for heightened focus on fire prevention and better forest management practices to mitigate such disasters. Manit Sawansu's sacrifice highlights the challenges faced by those on the frontline, serving as a poignant reminder of the risks involved in protecting Thailand's precious natural heritage.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-04-29