Phetchabun Forest Fire Still Raging: Strong Winds Reignite Blaze

The forest fire in Phetchabun remains uncontrolled after strong winds caused it to flare up again. On February 18, 2024, villagers reported a mountain forest fire in areas of Moo 4 and Moo 11 in Tha Phon Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phetchabun Province, which was dangerously close to residential areas. The Tha Phon Subdistrict Administrative Organization deployed firefighting vehicles to intercept the blaze. When officials arrived, they found the fire spreading along the mountainside, making it difficult to approach due to steep terrain. Firefighters and locals could only create firebreaks to prevent the fire from entering the community. In the evening, strong winds caused the fire to reignite and spread to areas without firebreaks. Local authorities and villagers narrowly prevented the fire from reaching the village. At the time of reporting, the fire continued to burn at the top of the mountain, requiring constant vigilance. A local resident noted that such forest fires occur annually, likely caused by villagers seeking forest products and intentionally burning areas to stimulate new growth of edible plants.