CHIANG RAI – Northern Thailand has entered an early dry season with small wildfires already flaring up in steep, hard-to-reach forest areas, causing smoke and haze to affect the public and once again raise health concerns.
In response, the government stepped up field operations. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin, who chairs the national committee on sustainable air pollution solutions, ordered the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to deploy rapid wildfire response units across Phayao, Chiang Rai, and Lampang.
The move followed a report of 61 hotspots in a single day, with the goal of limiting damage and cutting smoke as much as possible, as once fire crosses ridgelines and drops into valleys, it spreads fast. Even a few hours of delay can expand the burn area and raise smoke levels.
Wildfire Prevention and Control
On March 4, 2026, the Department of National Parks reported that Naretphon Thipmonta, Director of the Forest Fire Prevention and Control Bureau, chaired a situation meeting at the wildfire and haze command center (war room) for Conservation Area Administration Office 15 in Chiang Rai.
He instructed every protected-area chief who finds hotspots to act as incident commander, mobilize teams immediately, and push conditions back to normal as quickly as possible.
Doi Phu Nang, National Park
Field updates showed Doi Phu Nang National Park recorded the most hotspots, 21 in total. Park leaders mobilized more than 120 officers and divided them into eight teams. Crews covered Chiang Muan and Pong districts, focusing on critical ridges such as Doi Tham Mak Mao and Doi Sangkhara. The main target was to keep flames from running downhill into the lowlands and downstream communities.
Wiang Lo Wildlife Sanctuary
Wiang Lo Wildlife Sanctuary also required fast access because the area reported 20 hotspots. Local leaders coordinated with specialized wildfire crews known as “Suea Fai” from the Chiang Rai Forest Fire Operations Center.
They worked alongside volunteer networks and local authorities across several Phayao districts. Their priority was to reach tough terrain, contain active fires, and prevent repeat flare-ups.
Multiple fronts are active across protected areas
Besides the main hotspots, teams pushed prevention and suppression work in several nearby areas at the same time.
- The Thap Phaya Lo Non-Hunting Area moved to control eight hotspot points in parts of Phayao.
- Doi Pha Chang Wildlife Sanctuary reported operations at six locations.
- Mae Puem National Park sent 38 officers into Phu Kamyao District and expected to contain the situation within the day.
- Doi Luang National Park reported that most fires in Wang Nuea District, Lampang, had been brought under control, while patrols continued to watch for re-ignition.
Because conditions change quickly, the response this year focused on more than reacting after the fact. Teams combined rapid attack, firebreak building, patrols, and round-the-clock monitoring. That layered approach helps reduce forest losses and limits smoke buildup during the dry season.
Chiang Rai maintains an 86-day burn ban
Chiang Rai continues to treat open burning restrictions as the core prevention tool. The province set a strict no-burn period from February 14 to May 10, 2026, a total of 86 days, and warned that violations can lead to legal penalties. The goal is simple, cut smoke from burning activities and reduce the risk of wildfires spreading.
At the same time, agencies stressed that hotspot data remains a key risk signal. Monitoring often relies on satellite detection, such as MODIS and VIIRS, which helps field units move toward coordinates faster.
Still, lower hotspot counts do not always mean cleaner air. PM2.5 levels also depend on wind, atmospheric trapping, and smoke drifting across districts and provinces. Thailand’s current health reference for PM2.5 is a 24-hour average of 37.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
Local officials and communities help build firebreaks
In Chiang Rai, Wiang Pa Pao District reported mobilizing local administration, volunteer groups, and residents to patrol and build firebreaks at several risk points. That cooperation helped contain incidents quickly and prevented large-scale spread. Teams also kept watch 24 hours a day.
Meanwhile, the province continued public messaging that encourages people to reduce dust-producing activities. Communities also received practical guidance for handling yard waste without burning.
Examples included composting leaves and branches, building leaf enclosures, and preparing firebreaks in high-risk zones. Military units in the area supported outreach in “small homes in big forests” royal initiative communities, to make the burn ban workable at the village level.
Wildfire control needs steady resources, from equipment to health protection supplies. Chiang Rai promoted funding channels and support activities that can help crews respond during peak risk periods. Provincial disaster prevention offices also shared periodic coordination updates, which help agencies align plans and move together during emergencies.
Wildfires damage forests, while haze affects health and local income
This season’s problem is not only about putting out flames quickly. It also includes protecting forest resources, reducing health risks, and limiting disruption to tourism, farming, and outdoor work.
Park agencies pointed to speed and accuracy in reaching hotspots as a central tactic. In addition, provincial and local governments need to keep the 86-day burn ban steady to reduce repeat fires and curb long-term smoke buildup.
Authorities encouraged simple steps that people can take without panic. Residents can reduce smoke-producing activities, avoid burning waste outdoors, and follow official air quality updates.
On high PM2.5 days, people can limit outdoor activity and wear a standard mask when needed. Just as important, anyone who sees fire or suspicious smoke in risk areas should report it to local officials quickly so that rapid-response crews can reach the site sooner.
Overall, the 2026 wildfire and haze situation reinforces a familiar lesson. Strong enforcement and field support must go hand in hand with community action. When “no burning” becomes a shared habit across villages, safer air becomes more achievable for everyone.
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