Numerous forest fires are now burning at the base of Doi Suthep mountain in Chiang Mai, billowing plumes of white smoke into the sky, as fire fighters attempt to control the outbreak.

A park official said today that one fire is located close to the former Region 5 Appeals Court judges’ housing estate, which has been unoccupied for several years following protests from people and environment groups in Chiang Mai.

Meanwhile, the Air Pollution Mitigation Centre reported, this morning, that excessive PM2.5 dust has been detected in 20 northern and north-eastern provinces, including Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Phayao, Lamphun, Lampang, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Nong Khai, Nakhon Phanom, Sakhon Nakhon, Mukdahan, Kalasin, Roi-et, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon, Ubon Ratchathani and Si Sa Ket.

PM2.5 levels in northern provinces were measured between 21.1µg/m³ and 97µg/m³, with the highest level, 99.5µg/m³, being reported at Phra Ban sub-district in Lampang.

PM2.5 readings in northeastern provinces range between 26.8µg/m³ and 68.1µg/m³.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department forecasts that the maximum temperature in most of the country will soar to 38oC while Bangkok will reach 37oC.