Volunteer firefighter dies in Chiang Mai forest
A volunteer firefighter died after helping battle forest fires in Chiang Mai and completed firebreaks on Tuesday, March 31.
A team of volunteer firefighters entered forested areas near the Ban Saluang community to control a fire. The group brought the blaze under control and completed firebreaks at about 8pm before leaving the area together, except for 56 year old Boonma Phadaeng, who did not return with the others.
After noticing Boonma was missing, the group went back into the forest to search but found no trace of him. His family later confirmed he had not returned home.
The search continued the next day, April 1, with more than 200 officials and locals joining the operation. At about 10am, Boonma’s body was found in the forest about 300 metres from the firebreaks.
According to ThaiRath, the search team found no signs of attack or a struggle. Boonma was suspected to have died from exhaustion in hot conditions, combined with an underlying condition described as high blood pleasure.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation posted a condolence message on its official Facebook page, expressing sympathy to Boonma’s family and praising his courage and sacrifice in protecting forests and residents in the area.
The forest fire and air pollution situation in Chiang Mai and other provinces across northern Thailand remains critical, with fires continuing in multiple locations and hotspots increasing.
Smoke from the fires has also worsened air pollution, with 11 northern provinces reported to be in the red zone for dust levels affecting health. The Standard reported the worst affected area was Pai in Mae Hong Son, where dust was measured at 293µg/m³, described as a very dangerous level.
On March 31, IQAir’s air quality index ranked Chiang Mai as having the worst air quality in the world, above Delhi and Dhaka, which are often near the top of the list.
Social media users also shared images of Chiang Mai and other northern provinces covered in smog and urged the government and relevant agencies to address the situation to protect residents and visitors.
The Standard reported the Ministry of Public Health said no patients with severe symptoms had been found in affected areas. The ministry advised residents to avoid outdoor activities, especially young children, older people and those with underlying health conditions.
People in northern Thailand were also advised to keep doors and windows closed, use an air purifier at home, and avoid indoor activities that generate dust.
Latest Thailand News
Follow The Thaiger on Google News:
