Air Force deploys UAV to put out forest fire

NAKHON NAYOK (NNT) - Air Force Chief ACM Manat Wongwat has deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to join in an operation to put out a forest fire in Nakhon Nayok province.


The forest fire has engulfed Khao Makha Thong and Khao Tabak mountain areas in Nakhon Nayok province with smoke billowing over the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy and the Pre-cadet School and nearby areas.


The Air Force chief deployed the UAV to take pictures of hot spots in Khao Makha Thong and Khao Tabak mountain areas for use as information to help relevant agencies take steps to prevent or extinguish future forest fires. Two C-130 transport planes from Air Wing 6 and a BT-67 plane from Air Wing 46 in Phitsanulok province, were dispatched carrying 10,000 liters of Fire Wall II gel to put out the forest fire. A tactical Combat Control Team was set up to coordinate integrated cooperation with Khao Yai national park officials, provincial disaster relief officials and the Army.


The Fire Wall II gel is an organic polymer which absorbs humidity and reduces the temperature of a fire; it is non-toxic and is degradable in 28 days. Fire Wall II gel is more efficient in extinguishing a fire than normal water which mostly evaporate due to the heat.

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Helicopters sent to help combat forest fires in Nakhon Nayok

NAKHON NAYOK (NNT) - Forest fires continue to ravage Nakhon Nayok province, particularly Khao Falami in Khao Phra subdistrict, which is near Khao Yai National Park. Officers have rushed to extinguish the fires and prevent them from spreading into Khao Yai National Park. However, fires have now been detected in some areas of the national park.


The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation deployed helicopters to contain the fires in Khao Falami by using water from Huai Prue Reservoir in Nakhon Nayok. At present, plumes of smoke can still be seen in the area.


Wildfires were also detected near Sai Thong Reservoir in Khao Phra subdistrict. The area is part of Khao Yai National Park. Forest officials used water from Huai Prue and Sai Thong reservoirs to fight the blaze. Military helicopters were deployed to transport water to the location. Officials inspected the forest areas to bring the situation under control. Fire trucks were deployed to prevent the fires from spreading into nearby communities.


Khao Falami is about four kilometers from the Chulachomklao Royal Military Academy (CRMA). It is also close to Khao Yai National Park. The fires spread quickly because the central province has seen no rain for over four months, and dry leaves are potential fuel for forest fires.


Fires were still spreading today in Khao Mot Daeng and Khao Kwang in Khao Yai National Park. Relevant units rushed to prevent the fires from spreading deeper into the forests. They had already affected the habitat of wild animals. Helicopters were deployed to conduct aerial inspections in Khao Kwang and found that the area is a bamboo forest with strong winds and low humidity at present. A team of 45 firefighters from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation from the provinces of Nakhon Ratchasima, Ubon Ratchathani and Khon Kaen were dispatched to extinguish the fires in Khao Kwang.


If the fires continue spreading, they could reach Khao Samo Pun. The location has a treking route and is known for many varieties of flowers. Deeper into Khao Samo Pun is a rainforest that is home to many plant species and wild animals. If the flames continue to spread, they could have an adverse impact on natural resources and wildlife.

National News Bureau Of Thailand