Wildfire in Narathiwat now threatens Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Research Center

[webfact]

Wildfire in Narathiwat now threatens Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Research Center



NARATHIWAT: -- Wildfires are still ravaging Narathiwat's peat forests covering four districts despite efforts to stop the spreading by land and airborne fire fighters.

Now the wildfire is approaching the Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Research Center in Sungai Golok forcing authorities to speed up the fire fighting drive to stop it.

The spreading prompted the Army to announce its readiness to provide all necessary equipment, personnel and helicopters to take part in the fire combat.

Army deputy spokesperson Col Sirichan Nga-thong stated that Army units have been ordered to provide critically needed assistance to local authorities to put out fires at all priority locations.

Machinery such as helicopters and tractors have also been sent along to help in the firefighting effort.

She said latest reports indicate that the effort has been successful in bringing a number of hotspots under control.

Meanwhile helicopter carrying water tank continued flying fire control mission over the ravaged peat forests today.

Yesterday, firefighters fighting forest fires in the four districts reported new hotspots breaking out in many areas.

They are in Sungai Padi, Sungai Golok, Bajo and Yi Ngor districts.

Ground teams and airborne units have been mobilized but the situation shows no signs of improving.

Airborne units comprised of paramotors have been posted to carry out active airborne surveillance of the entire 8 sub-districts located within the 4 districts in Narathiwat province.

Fire fighters said Ba Ngor Sarayor and Lusor Sama villages located in Pasir Mas sub-district in Sungai Golok district are the worse hit.

Fresh fires have broken out in these areas and have ravaged more than one kilometre of forested area.

Firefighters have been forced to change their plan of attack and target the fires at Lusor Sama village first as it threatened to spread to the nearby Sirindhorn Peat Swamp Research Center.

Three helicopters have been tasked to carry out airborne water drops by using waters from local irrigation canals.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/content/163059


-- Thai PBS 2016-05-12

[timber]

Once the fire gets into the peat can be a very difficult and costly fire to put out. If the proper systems aren't followed will pop up every dry spell

[Rhys]

Can you envision this: Somchai watch this...