Wildfire put out on Doi Suthep mountain

CHIANG MAI, May 9 (TNA) - About 100 soldiers, rescue workers and monks took more than 10 hours to extinguish fire on the Doi Suthep mountain in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in Chiang Mai province. A forested area of about 28 acres was burnt there. The fire happened in the compound of Ban Chang Khian village in Chang Phueak sub-district of Muang Chiang Mai district. About 100 soldiers, rescue workers and Buddhist monks had to walk uphill on the mountain to reach the fire which erupted at 3pm yesterday. The fighters put out the fire at about 1am today. The mission took as long as 10 hours due to a large number of dry leaves and weeds and the steep terrains of the forested area. Chiang Mai governor Pawin Chamniprasart and the director-general of the Royal Forest Department directed the fight by themselves. They set up their command center at the Nonghoa Buddhadhamma Center behind the Chiang Mai International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Officials believed that some local residents started the fire at four locations on the Doi Suthep mountain to collect forest products. This morning officials inspected the damaged area on a helicopter and directed fire-fighting operations on the ground to ensure that the fire was completely extinguished. The chief of the Muang Chiang Mai district will question community leaders to find a wrongdoer. Besides, authorities will issue measures to prevent the wildfire from recurring there. (TNA)