BANGKOK, Thailand – Deputy Prime Minister and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered urgent assistance and close monitoring after a forest protection officer was seriously injured while helping suppress a wildfire in Chaiyaphum province.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation reported that the officer was part of a wildfire suppression team operating in the Phu Ruak forest in Khon San district. During the operation, strong winds suddenly shifted direction, causing the fire to spread rapidly across steep terrain and surround the team.
The officer sustained severe burn injuries to several parts of the body and also suffered exhaustion after prolonged exposure to smoke during the firefighting effort. The injured officer was initially taken to Khon San Hospital before being transferred to Phu Khiao Chalermphrakiat Hospital in Chaiyaphum province for further treatment due to the severity of the burns.
Authorities said doctors are closely monitoring the patient’s condition and have carried out surgery to remove damaged tissue to prevent infection. Officials from the wildlife protection unit and forest fire control division have also provided initial financial assistance to the officer’s family while additional support measures are being arranged. (NNT)
