Wildfires surge to nearly 100 hotspots in Mae Hong Son

2026-03-24 - 04:50

MAE HONG SON — 24 March 2026, Authorities are battling an intensifying wave of wildfires after 96 hotspots were detected across the northern province on Tuesday morning, with hazardous air pollution continuing to affect several areas, particularly Pai district. According to the provincial forest fire and haze prevention centre, satellite data from the Suomi NPP VIIRS system recorded the hotspots at 02:13. The fires were spread across multiple districts, including: Mae Sariang — 44 locations Mueang Mae Hong Son — 27 locations Sop Moei — 8 locations Pai — 5 locations Mae La Noi — 5 locations Pang Mapha — 4 locations Khun Yuam — 3 locations Air quality in Pai remained above safe levels, with PM2.5 measured at 51.2 micrograms per cubic metre. Firefighting teams have been working around the clock to contain the blazes. On the night of 23 March, officials deployed water trucks and personnel to tackle a roadside forest fire along Highway 108 in Ban Doikham, Mae Sariang district. However, flames spread into forested areas beyond the reach of water cannons, forcing crews to proceed on foot to control the fire along ridgelines. The operation was completed at around 23:00. In Sop Moei district, forestry officials responded to multiple satellite-detected hotspots in protected forest areas, managing to extinguish some fires while containing others by creating firebreaks due to steep terrain. Authorities said some fire zones near the Thai-Myanmar border remain inaccessible, as officials fear the presence of landmines possibly left behind by Myanmar military forces. The rugged landscape, deep valleys and remote location have further complicated firefighting efforts. Mae Sariang district chief Worasaek Phanthong said difficult terrain and safety concerns, particularly reduced visibility during night operations, have forced teams to adjust their strategies. Officials continue to monitor the situation closely around the clock to prevent further environmental damage and worsening air pollution.