Disaster officials became aware of the fire on Saturday, Orathai Giasakul, Chief Executive of the Thai Mueang Municipality, told The Phuket News today (April 4).
“Right now, we have three fire teams on standby just in case,” she said.
“We are keeping a close watch on the area and are co-ordinating with officers from the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation and the District Office.”
Firefighters struggled to contain the blaze on Saturday, and had masks issued to villagers in Moo 5 and Moo 9, Ms Orathai explained
“They fought the fire until midnight, and thought that they had put it out – but it came back on Sunday,” she said.
Although the flames came within 800 metres of the two villages, residents were warned of the impending fire, but were not asked to evacuate their homes, Ms Orathai added.
“About 500 rai of land was razed by the fire, including about 220 rai in Khao Lampi–Hat Thai Mueang National Park,” she said.
“No villagers were affected by the smoke, and Thai Mueang Police are currently investigating what caused the fire,” Ms Orathai added.