National Parks Department Reveals Proactive Measures for Managing 14 Forest Groups to Combat Forest Fires and PM 2.5

On February 21, 2024, Atthapon Charoen Chanasa, Director-General of the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, disclosed prevention and firefighting measures under the close supervision of Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment. He noted that forest areas are becoming increasingly dry, especially in central and northern regions, with hotspots and forest fires emerging in areas like Srinagarind Dam Forest Group in Kanchanaburi, Phu Khieo Forest Group in Chaiyaphum, and Mae Yom Forest in the lower northern region. The ministry considers these areas crucial as forests are key indicators of PM 2.5 particulate matter. This year, the department is implementing a '14 Forest Group' policy, creating seamless collaboration between conservation forests, national reserved forests, and agricultural forestry zones. They are coordinating with the Forest Department, local authorities, and administrative units to prevent operational gaps. Currently, there are 23,479 accumulated hotspots, with only 1,468 (40%) in conservation forest areas. Compared to last year, hotspots have decreased by 69%. However, officials remain highly vigilant due to potential increased particulate matter from delayed rainfall. The minister emphasized deploying personnel in strategic high-risk fire locations like Kanchanaburi, Uthai Thani, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, and Tak, establishing over 3,000 monitoring points nationwide. They're also hiring local residents to create income and improve rapid incident reporting. Helicopters have been deployed to support missions in difficult-to-access areas, successfully containing forest fires in critical zones like Phu Khieo. Special firefighting units have been dispatched to protect critical watershed areas. Considering the anticipated severe and prolonged El Niño drought, a War Room has been established to link information between provincial and forest group levels.