Forest Fire at Sakaerat Under Control: Thousands of Acres Burned, Impact Assessment Underway

A massive forest fire at the Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Nakhon Ratchasima province was successfully controlled after a two-day battle involving over 200 personnel. Provincial Governor Anupong Suksomnet led efforts that included ground teams and helicopters making 16 water-dropping runs to extinguish five active fire points. The fire occurred in a dry dipterocarp forest area of approximately 6,400 acres, with research station director Surachit Waengsothon noting that while immediate forest damage appears significant, the ecosystem is expected to naturally regenerate due to the area's typical seasonal fire cycles. Initial air quality measurements showed elevated particulate levels, though the research station's immediate surroundings remained within standard limits. The exact cause of the fire remains undetermined, with initial signs of smoke originating 2-3 kilometers north of the research station.