Chiang Mai on alert against forest fires

CHIANG MAI, THAILAND, February 7 (TNA) - As farmers in serveral Thai areas have begun facing this year's seasonal drought, Chiang Mai Province in the Thai North is now on alert against forest fires by imposing a two-month total ban on all kinds of outdoor burning to prevent haze. Chiang Mai's Deputy Governor Puttipong Sirimart told journalists on Tuesday that the two-month total ban on all kinds of outdoor burning will take effect during February 20-April 20, 2017. The deputy governor said cooperation has also been sought from all local sectors to strictly prevent and address the smog in his northern resort province. Besides, campaigns have been launched to create proper understanding and awareness on public participation in helping address the provincial haze. According to the deputy governor, his province has also coordinated with four other adjacent northern provinces and local village public health volunteer networks to help ensure the enforcement of the two-month ban effectively. Meanwhile, drought has started in several Thai areas, while the Royal Irrigation Department, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, has accelerated fixing dikes and managed water allocation to get through this year's dry season. (TNA)