Phetchabun wildfire still burning after 48 hours

2026-02-20 - 02:53

PHETCHABUN — 19 February 2026, A forest fire that broke out on a mountain in Tha Phon subdistrict, Muang Phetchabun district, in Phetchabun province has continued to burn for nearly 48 hours, with officials citing a lack of adequate equipment and resources to tackle the blaze. The fire began at 05:00 on 18 February 2026 in a mountainous area on the boundary between Muang Phetchabun and Khao Kho districts. Flames spread towards residential areas, prompting the Tha Phon Subdistrict Administrative Organisation to deploy fire engines in an attempt to contain the blaze. However, the fire continued to advance along the mountainside. Fire engines and residents were unable to access the area due to steep terrain and safety concerns. Authorities and villagers instead worked together to create firebreaks to prevent the flames from spreading into the community. The fire has continued to burn on the upper slopes of the mountain, forcing residents to remain on constant alert. Somphong Thongnunui, chief district officer of Muang Phetchabun, said he had assigned the deputy district chief for security affairs, along with members of the Volunteer Defence Corps, village heads and assistants in Tha Phon subdistrict, to carry out firefighting operations and construct additional firebreaks. Officials used blowers to push back the fire line and deployed locally available equipment to stop the flames from spreading into residential areas. The fire line threatening communities has now been brought under control, although parts of the blaze deeper in the mountain may take more time to extinguish. Operations have been hampered by steep and hazardous terrain, requiring extreme caution. Strong winds have further complicated efforts to control the fire. Authorities acknowledged that equipment and materials for wildfire suppression were not fully ready and were insufficient. Officials said they would continue monitoring the situation and prepare to move in to contain and extinguish the fire as quickly as possible. Elsewhere in Phetchabun province, several other forest fires have also been reported. In Nam Nao National Park in Lom Sak district, more than 40 officers were mobilised and successfully brought a blaze under control. Fires have also been reported in forest areas in Bung Khla subdistrict of Lom Sak district and in the Khao Yai forest area in Ban Pi village, Moo 7, Ban Tok subdistrict, Muang Phetchabun district. Authorities said the fires in those areas have not yet been fully contained, and firebreaks are being maintained while monitoring continues.