LAMPANG — More than 200 man-made forest fires have hit this northern province during the past six months, damaging almost 1,500 rai and causing pollution problems.
Authorities say most of the blazes are set by humans collecting wild products in the forests.
Since Oct 1, a total of 203 fires have been recorded, damaging 1,424 rai of forested land, according to the province’s fires and smoke combat centre. Muang district had the highest number of fires, followed by Thoen, Mae Mo and Mae Tha districts.
Suchin Champa-ngern, head of the fire control station at the Lampang forest conservation administration office, said the frequent forest fires produced smoke that was harmful to health. Particulate matter was above safe levels as it was measured at 180 microgrammes per cubic metre, he said.
At the Doi Pamuang wildlife sanctuary in tambon Wiang Tan of Hang Chat district, there have been 64 forest fires, causing damage to more than 10 rai, he said.
Kitti Poonchan, chief of the Mae Wa forest fire control station, reported 70 fires in areas under his jurisdiction during the past two months. The latest one burned about 10 rai in a forest area near Mae Papae village in Thoen district.