CHIANG MAI, March 27 (TNA) – A bushfire in Doi Suthep-Pui
National Park in Thailand’s northern Chiang Mai province has caused air
pollution 20 times above safe limit.
The PM2.5, particulate matter of 2.5 microns or lower, rose
to 925 micrograms per cubic meter at an air quality station in Chiang Mai University
Friday morning.
It also pushed air pollution readings in the northern
province and others in the region up to nearly 1,000 micrograms.
The bushfire at the National Park also poses dangers to
residents as it has raged near communities in Chiang Mai and many landmarks
such as Buddhist temples.
Hundreds of local officials and soldiers have been called in
to fight the blaze. Military helicopters
have dropped water to control the fire that started on Wednesday evening
The large fire has now been brought under control, according
local officials, but the air pollution persists with more smog from plantation
fires burning in the area and in neighbouring Myanmar. (TNA)
