NARATHIWAT--- An out-of-control wildfire has scorched more than 230 rai of land in this southern province with hot spots jumping from two to 10 on Wednesday.
The blaze that broke out Tuesday already razed wooded areas in Bang Nara forest reserve in tambon Palemas in Sungai Kolok district, destroying more than 30 rai.
A survey by motorised glider found smoke from the fire covering 10 locations by Wednesday morning. Fanned by strong winds, smoke has blanketed the sky in Sungai Padi, Sungai Kolok, Tak Bai and Muang districts.
Authorities believed at least 230 rai of forest has burned.
Pairot Jarit-ngam, chief of Sungai Padi district, on Wednesday set up an coordination centre at Daser Tai School in tambon Paluru to support the work of the Tor Daeng peat swamp forest's fire control unit.
More firemen, local volunteers and soldiers were sent to douse the glames at the peat swamp forest. As of today, the fire showed no sign of abating.