Forest fire fears for Songkhla
Forest fire fears for Songkhla
25 April 2005
publishedby www.mcot.org
SONGKHLA, Apr 25 (TNA) – Local forestry officials today voiced fears over the forest fire situation in Thailand’s southern province of Songkhla, warning that drought had turned the province into a tinderbox.
Mr. Somlak Srihirandech, head of the province’s forest fire control station, told reporters today that the lack of rain coupled with the El Nino phenomenon had led to weather conditions which encouraged forest fires, with fires covering three districts in March alone.
Already this year forest fires have destroyed over 700 rai of land, compared to 600 rai throughout the entire dry season last year.
Mr. Somlak warned that unless more rain fell towards the end of this month, the situation could deteriorate further, putting the province at risk of more conflagrations.
Local residents are being urged to keep vigilant for forest fires, and to inform local officials if they intend to burn stubble or other agricultural waste. (TNA)–E006
