Thai wildfire at Khao Loi fully contained after week-long battle
Thai officials have announced the successful containment of a wildfire at Khao Loi, situated within the Khao Siad Ai, Khao Nok Yoong, and Khao Ang Hin National Reserved Forests, located in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The fire initially ignited on January 3 behind Udomsuk Temple, affecting an area of 200 rai.
Despite initial containment efforts, the fire reignited on January 5, January 7, and January 10, spreading rapidly across the rugged, rocky landscape and engulfing more than 1,500 rai. The battle to control the fire was made more difficult by strong winds, abundant dry vegetation, and challenging terrain, which necessitated the use of helicopter water drops on January 11 to curb the fire’s advance, reported The Pattaya News.
Local officials collaborated closely during these operations. Yesterday, January 11, the fire was fully extinguished, although inspections are continuing. During these inspections, officials found spent .22 calibre bullet casings and animal traps, raising suspicions that the fire may have been deliberately started to facilitate wildlife hunting.
In related news, a fire broke out at a large pet and pet supply store in Mueang Phaya, Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province on January 6, at approximately 9pm. The blaze engulfed Ploy Fish Tanks & Pet Mart, a wholesale and retail business for pet food and supplies.
The fire spread rapidly due to the abundance of flammable materials inside the store, resulting in the death of numerous pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, and fish. Emergency services managed to rescue only a few animals.
Fifteen fire engines from the Mae Sai subdistrict municipality and nearby areas were deployed to control the fire. Police officers from the Mae Sai Police Station and rescue volunteers were also on the scene, working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings. It took approximately two hours to bring the fire under control.
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