CHIANG MAI, Thailand – The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has deployed a KA-32 helicopter to support urgent wildfire suppression efforts in Doi Tao district, Chiang Mai, following the detection of 28 hotspots earlier in the day. The aircraft, designated DDPM Helicopter 32-04, was tasked with containing fires that could worsen haze and PM2.5 levels across the region.
The mission, taking place on March 2, supported an aerial firefighting operation covering 17 northern provinces. The effort involves coordination among the DDPM, the Third Army Area, and Chiang Mai provincial authorities to curb forest fires and reduce air pollution.
The helicopter departed from the 7th Infantry Division base in Mae Rim district at 2:00 p.m. and began water drops over affected areas in Muet Ka subdistrict at 2:50 p.m., using water sourced from Doi Tao Lake.
Officials said aerial operations will continue until the fires are brought under control and conditions improve. Officials are closely monitoring hotspots to prevent further flare-ups and limit environmental and health impacts. (NNT)
