Phetchabun Forest Fire Rages for Nearly 48 Hours, Equipment Shortage Hampers Efforts

A forest fire in Phetchabun has been burning for nearly 48 hours, with officials and villagers urgently creating firebreaks to prevent the fire from spreading into community areas. The fire started at 5:00 AM on February 18, 2024, in the mountainous area of Tha Pong Subdistrict in Mueang Phetchabun District, spreading along the mountain slopes. Fire trucks and villagers were unable to access the area, forcing them to create defensive lines to prevent the fire from reaching residential zones. Local authorities, including district head Somphong Thongnunui, mobilized administrative officials, volunteer defenders, village heads, and assistants to combat the fire using available equipment like blowers and creating fire barriers. The operation has been challenging due to steep, high mountain terrain, strong winds, and insufficient firefighting equipment. Multiple forest fires have been reported in Phetchabun Province, with some areas successfully controlled and others still being monitored.