Drought raises forest fire fears in Chiang Mai
Drought raises forest fire fears in Chiang Mai
19February 2005
publishedby www.mcot.org
CHIANG MAI, Feb 19 (TNA) A combination of dry weather and the accumulation of fuel has put Thailand’s northern province of Chiang Mai at critical risk from forest fires this year, the provinces deputy governor warned yesterday.
Speaking at a meeting on atmospheric and noise pollution, Mr. Parinya Panthong said that satellite images showed that forest fires were likely to break out in several areas of the province.
He also noted that members of the public were continuing to burn refuse and leaves in the open, which could easily lead to conflagrations and air pollution for the provinces residents.
The local office of natural resources and the environment has been asked to launch a public campaign explaining the dangers of air pollution and how to avoid creating it, particularly during the dry season months between February and May.
Recent reports from the Pollution Control Department suggest that atmospheric pollution in Bangkok is currently at acceptable levels, and will not have an impact on the health of residents.
But in parts of Chiang Mai, dust particles are at unacceptably high levels, and local children, the elderly and other residents suffering respiratory problems have been told to stay at home as much as possible. (TNA)–E006
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