CHIANG MAI, THAILAND – Authorities in northern Thailand deployed helicopters, drones and health measures to tackle spreading wildfires and crack down on illegal burning.
Current wildfire situation
On 29 March, officials detected 651 heat sources in Chiang Mai, mainly in northern districts such as Chiang Dao and Samoeng. The fires had spread over several days as large amounts of combustible material accumulated in forested areas.
Challenging terrain made direct firefighting operations difficult and slowed ground access. Initial steps included creating firebreaks to stop the flames from moving into new zones.
Coordination of emergency forces
Provincial governor Ratthaphon Naradisorn instructed all agencies to work closely together in responding to the fires. In districts with extensive fire fronts, reinforcements from helicopters were required to support ground teams.
Teams prepared surveys of landing sites and nearby water sources around the active fire zones. Officials said these preparations were essential to make aerial firefighting runs more efficient.
Use of drones for monitoring
The province cooperated with the air force to deploy drones for night surveillance flights over risk areas. Suspicious activities suggesting illegal burning were to be reported immediately to the authorities.
Drone patrols were intended to help identify potential arsonists and, if necessary, enable officers to arrest suspects. The monitoring was also aimed at spotting new ignition points before they could spread.
Public outreach and prevention
Local community leaders and village heads were asked to educate residents about the dangers of setting fires. Their goal was to raise awareness and prevent new blazes in already strained forest regions.
Authorities also provided information about dust conditions and health guidelines to protect the public. Residents were urged to follow official advice to reduce exposure to smoke and fine particles.
Health measures for residents
Health agencies accelerated the distribution of dust protection masks to vulnerable groups and people in high‑risk areas. These masks could be collected at nearby health services and local clinics.
Officials said the measures were designed to ensure that the population was well protected. They aimed to minimize health risks from the current situation of smoke and poor air quality.
Public debate over government response
Regional media invited residents to share their views on the government’s wildfire strategy in Chiang Mai. One key question was whether the mobilization of helicopters and drones would be sufficient to improve conditions.
“What do you think of the measures taken by the government in Chiang Mai to combat the wildfires? Do you believe that mobilizing helicopters and drones is enough to improve the situation?”
said Chiang Mai News, calling on readers to discuss challenges and possible solutions during what it described as a critical period for the province.