Pictures courtesy of Daily News

A controlled forest burning operation has begun in Cha-am district, Phetchaburi province, to reduce wildfire risk and airborne dust, with authorities saying the initiative is aimed at preventing severe forest fires and limiting PM2.5 pollution during the dry season. The pilot operation was carried out on 6 January 2026 in the Ban Rong non-hunting area, targeting accumulated forest fuel that could intensify uncontrolled fires.

The operation was led by the Huai Kaphong Forest Fire Control Station, under the supervision of the Conservation Area Administration Office Region 3 (Phetchaburi branch). Officials involved included Nithat Nunsong, Director of the office, Thirachat Piapradit, Director of the Forest Fire Control and Operations Division, and Phatchara Sapcharoen, Head of the Huai Kaphong Forest Fire Control Station, alongside local leaders and fire control officers.

The controlled burn took place in Ban Phu Wai, Village 6, Huai Sai Nuea subdistrict, Cha-am district, within a designated wildlife protection zone. Fire lines were deliberately ignited to create defensive barriers, with the aim of stopping future wildfires from spreading across wider forest areas.

According to Phatchara Sapcharoen, the operation focused on reducing combustible material that could otherwise fuel large-scale fires. He said the approach helps control fire intensity, lowers the risk of dense smoke haze and reduces the amount of PM2.5 released during major wildfire incidents.

Authorities said the activity is intended to benefit both forests and nearby communities by mitigating the impact of seasonal wildfires. The controlled burning is also expected to support the recovery of deciduous forest ecosystems and promote the growth of certain plant species, helping to maintain ecological balance.

Officials stressed that the operation was carefully planned and conducted under strict safety measures. The timing was selected to minimise environmental impact and to ensure smoke and haze remained under control during the process.

In addition to environmental goals, the initiative aims to raise awareness among local residents, particularly those who habitually burn forest areas. Authorities hope the project will encourage behavioural change and cooperation in long-term wildfire prevention.

Daily News reported that further controlled burning operations may be carried out in other high-risk areas, depending on weather conditions and fuel levels. Officials said monitoring will continue to assess effectiveness and ensure community safety throughout the dry season.

Key Takeaways

• Authorities launched a controlled forest burn in Cha-am on 6 January 2026 to prevent wildfires and PM2.5 pollution.

• The operation targeted fuel reduction in a protected forest area under strict safety measures.

• Officials aim to protect ecosystems, reduce smoke haze, and encourage safer community practices.

  

Adapted by ASEAN Now from Dailynews.2026-01-08

 

 

Huh??? we burn forest already to prevent that they get wildfire and burn and cause air pollution.. This burning is not causing air pollution?? And if the forest will not burn??

It's the stupidest shaat in the world.

They're burning forest to reduce pollution.

😂

Actually this is done worldwide, though apparently more successfully elsewhere. It's a fire break, so hopefully, a fire won't continue to spread. Thought that was common knowledge, apparently not.

On the AQI & PM2.5, not a good down here @ PKK

Locally PKK ... AQI 86

Though fail to understand, just 100 kms / 1 hour north @ Hua Hin, it's so much worse in some areas.

Lowest reading about the same as ours, but highest reading, damn unhealthy, and why we didn't retire there.

Hua Hin ...

Controlled burns in the US are done in the spring when the temperatures are relatively cool and the soil is still moist. In any case, controlled burns are done to reduce the fuel load of the under story vegetation, shrubs and vegetation litter. This reduces fire hazards tremendously.

Not a good headliner for TH ... and below Cha Am in our slice of heaven ...

... tolerable, barely 🙄