Wildfire in Kaeng Krachan reignites as crews reinforce response

A wildfire in Kaeng Krachan National Park has been brought under control in one area but reignited in another, prompting a renewed response from fire crews working to contain the blaze.

Officials said progress had been made in tackling multiple hotspots across the park, although conditions remain challenging.

Fire reignites in Mae Khamoei Bon as crews respond

On 19 April, Mr Saknarin Yoosomboon, head of the Upper Kaeng Krachan Forest Fire Control Station, said efforts to contain the wildfire in Kaeng Krachan were continuing, with teams working across several locations.

Earlier in the day, at 06:30, an operations team reported that firebreak construction in the Huai Suea Kat Chang area had been completed the previous evening at 19:00. Officers were deployed to inspect the burned area and monitor conditions before confirming the fire there had been extinguished. Eleven personnel were subsequently transported back to base to conclude the operation and prepare for a damage assessment.

However, the situation changed later in the morning. At 11:00, a monitoring unit detected a new flare-up in the Mae Khamoei Bon area within the park.

Authorities responded by deploying an initial wildfire suppression team, including national park staff and forest fire control officers. Crews began constructing additional firebreaks in an effort to limit the spread.

By 16:00, teams on the ground requested further support as the wildfire in Kaeng Krachan continued to spread in some areas. Reinforcements arrived at 17:00, with eight additional officers sent to assist, bringing food, drinking water and fuel to sustain operations.

Officials said efforts to contain the fire in Mae Khamoei Bon were ongoing, with updates expected as the situation develops.

Although progress has been made in some areas, authorities warned that hot and dry conditions continue to pose a risk of further flare-ups. Close monitoring remains in place.

Members of the public have been encouraged to support personnel involved in the operation. Authorities also urged anyone who witnesses illegal activities involving forests, wildlife or fire-setting to report it to the Forest Protection Hotline 1362, which operates 24 hours a day.