Khao Talu forest fire now rages to foothill areas

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Khao Talu forest fire now rages to foothill areas



CHUMPON: -- The wildfire that broke out on Khao Thalu mountain in Sawee district in Chumphon province has now raged to foothill neighborhood destroying vast areas of an ancient archeological site and tourist spot.

The fire which started Monday on the mountain has spread down to the lower plains destroying more than 500 rai of prehistorical sites, popular tourist destinations and coffee plantations.

Authorities now have rushed to create fire lines to prevent the fires from destroying more areas.

Although the head of the Chumphon forest fire control office stated today that the overall situation has improved slightly with authorities successfully limiting the spread of fires in a number of locations, but what concerned firefighters however are fires in high forested areas located on mountain slopes which is proving difficult to approach.

Another major concern is the limestone composition of Khao Talu mountain itself.

He said prolonged exposure to high temperatures could result in cracks of rocks in the mountain which could cause rockslides.

A similar incident occurred in the past when a massive rock larger than a 10 wheeled truck broke off and crushed into several homes in a village directly bellow.

On this occasion, villagers have reported hearing crackles, pops and rumbling from the mountain which could possibly signal an impending collapse.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/162861


-- Thai PBS 2016-05-11