INTERIOR Minister Anutin Charnivarikul said today (Feb. 27) that he is closely following the forest fire at Ob Luang National Park in Chiang Mai’s Hot district with this causing enormous damage both in the forested areas and triggering dust and smoke problems that has spread to many provinces, TV Channel 7 said this afternoon.
The cause is illegal burning to gather forest products which while prohibited there are still many people who break the law.
Anutin said he has ordered Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn to quickly control this forest fire that has been raging since Feb. 22.
The fire-fighting operations have successfully extinguished this huge blaze in many areas but the team is still constantly watching the situation and hope to successfully put it out completely.
The fire-fighters are getting full support in terms of extinguishing equipment and supplies including N95 masks, energy drinks, dry food, sticky rice and fried chicken to boost their morale.
The team, named Fire Tigers, has been working hard after carefully planning their operations with Anutin thanking them for their effort.
“I have emphasised to the province that the public must be informed of the dangers of starting fires to gather forest products, those who have been gathering forest products have to find alternative professions because burning causes great damage.
“In terms of the law, this has to be strictly enforced, punishment ranges from a fine to imprisonment and violations must be strictly dealt with,” Anutin said.
CAPTION:
Fire spreading on a mountain at Ob Luang National Park in Chiang Mai, left, and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, right, who is taking action. Photo: TV Channel 7
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