Widespread forest fires are being blamed for the deterioration of air quality in a number of northern provinces, especially in Pai district of Mae Hong Son province, a popular destination for western backpackers, where the Air Quality Index (AQI) surged to a record high of 1,357 on Sunday, posing a serious threat to health.
The Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation Operations Centre in Mae Hong Son reported 610 hotspots in the province at about 2am this morning, with PM2.5 levels being measured at 940µg/m³ in Wiang Nua sub-district, 485µg/m³ s in Mae Hee sub-district and 397µg/m³ in Wiang Tai sub-district of Pai district.
The Mae Hong Son tourism page is warning that air pollution in Wiang Nau sub-district has reached a critical level.
Mae Hong Son Deputy Governor Udomsak Khaonoona conducted a field inspection of forest fires in Muang Baeng sub-district of Pai district today. He said that attempts to contain the fires have been hampered by the mountainous terrain, making it difficult for firefighters and volunteers to reach the scenes of the fires.
He also appealed to villagers to refrain from starting forest fires and to report those who deliberately set fires.
Members of Mae Hong Son Red Cross Society, meanwhile, started distributing face masks to villagers as protection against PM2.5 dust.
According to the forest fire prevention centre in Mae Hong Son, 2,742 hotspots have been reported since January 1st, most of which were in Mae Sariang district.
PM 2.5 levels today were measured at 232.5µg/m³ in Pai district, 92.8µg/m³ in Mae Sariang district and 81.3µg/m³ in Muang district.
