Forest fires that broke out on Chiang Mai’s Doi Suthep mountain have now been extinguished, according to the governor.
The fires broke out just after 9pm last night, April 17, and could be seen clearly from the city. It took a team of 50 firefighters nearly 4 hours to extinguish the fires, which was finally achieved just before 1am this morning.
According to a Thai PBS World report, the fires broke out at two areas on the mountain, which is one of Chiang Mai’s most popular tourist attractions. Provincial governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn posted on social media to say the blaze started at the back of the Nong Ho Buddha Dhamma Temple.
The latest update from the governor is that the fires have now been totally extinguished and a report on damage assessment will be provided later today.
Thai PBS World reports that the season for forest fires in Thailand is between February and May. Last night’s fires in Chiang Mai are the first to break out on the mountain in 3 years. The province has also been in the news for its severe air pollution problem, frequently topping the list of the world’s most polluted cities.
Whoops, China Mai is listed as the fifth most air polluted city in the world at the moment, down from Number 3 earlier today. Graphic from iqair.com
SOURCE: Thai PBS World
