North Reels under Wildfire Haze

Authorities in northern provinces are struggling to address problems from haze caused by forest fires.

Forest fires in Phayao province have reportedly intensified, spewing haze that was blanketing the entire province.

Visibility has been reduced to only one meter or two while the Pollution Control Department measured over 147.5 micrograms per cubic meter of dust in the air, the second worst affected area after Mae Sai district in Chiang Rai.

All agencies are collaborating to quickly find a solution to the wildfire problem while the cause of the blazes was attributed to slash-and-burn farming methods.

Phayao has been affected by haze from neighboring provinces such as Lampang and Chiang Rai, and neighboring countries, where the bush fires have also intensified.

Forest fires affecting five districts of Tak province have become more widespread and Tak Governor Samat Loyfah is on a 24-hour alert to handle any situation.

Many areas in the five districts are still covered in thick haze with more forest fires are breaking out in Pobphra, Umpang, Maesod and Tha Song Yang districts

Mae Hong Son public health officer Suwat Kittidilokkul said dust particles have been measured at 139.9 micrograms per cubic meter, much higher than the usual 120 micrograms standard.

Since February, there have been over 10,000 patients admitted to hospitals in Mae Hong Son for respiratory problems.

Doctors have advised the public to cover their mouths and noses before going outside and avoid remaining outdoors.

Meanwhile, in Krabi province, a fire truck and volunteers were trying to extinguish a fire that was engulfing the Tapprik national forest.

The blaze has destroyed over 100 rai of the 1,000 rai of national park land.

-- Tan Network 2010-03-05

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Today March 5, 2010/Red dots fire.