Wildfire has destroyed at least 2,000 rai of forest on a mountain in Pha Luang Waterfall Forest Park in Ubon Ratchathani, where park rangers are working under the threat of unexploded ammunition in the area.
The fire began around 10am on Friday in the area of Dong Phu Lon National Forest Reserve in tambon Na Loen, Si Muang Mai district, according to park officials.
They shared pictures of the blaze on the Facebook page Rak Pha Luang, noting that “this fire is severe and will last long”.
Officials said the cliffs are steep and littered with unexploded shells and bombs left from police and military shooting practice. The location is a training ground for the army’s Phra Yod Muang Kwang unit.
The situation has made it difficult for rangers to extinguish the flames or rescue wildlife.
Volunteers take a break on rocky ground after battling a wildfire in Pha Luang Waterfall Forest Park in Ubon Ratchathani on Saturday. (Photo: Rak Pha Luang Facebook page)
By Saturday, the fire was still spreading and remained uncontrolled. It is not yet known whether it was a natural wildfire or deliberately set.
Park officials, border patrol police and volunteers have joined forces to build firebreaks and extinguish parts of the blaze. Some sections have already been contained, they said.
Latest reports also show wildfire hotspots surging in northern Thailand, particularly in forest areas above the Sirikit Dam (Forest Group 8) and conservation zones across Nan, Uttaradit and Phrae provinces.