Multiple districts across Chiang Mai are stepping up efforts to contain forest fires, with authorities determined to prevent flames from spreading overnight.
Forest fire control teams in affected districts have been deployed at full capacity following reports of increasing hotspots, as the province’s wildfire situation shows an upward trend.
The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported 86 hotspots detected via satellite — 41 in the morning and 45 in the afternoon — across 10 districts: Doi Tao, Om Koi, Hod, Mae On, Chom Thong, San Kamphaeng, San Sai, Phrao, Doi Saket and Mae Chaem.
District Forest Fire, Haze and PM2.5 Centres have mobilised officers, machinery and equipment to immediately assess and control reported fires, prioritising both containment and officer safety.
Most blazes are in national reserved forest areas with heavy fuel loads. Causes are believed to include illegal forest foraging and deliberate burning for hunting.
Authorities report that many fires were brought under control during the day, with close monitoring to prevent flare-ups. However, some areas remain under active control, particularly districts with high hotspot counts and newly detected afternoon hotspots.
Officials say all agencies are working at full capacity to meet the key objective: no overnight spread and minimal impact on the public.
