Lampang at risk from forest fire haze

Residents of Muang district in Lampang have been urged to wear face masks to protect themselves against haze pollution as authorities step up efforts to stop forest fires near Doi Phra Bath.

Healthcare workers are advising people on how to deal with air pollution to reduce health impacts as levels of harmful air particles exceeds the safety limit due to a forest fire.

They urged them to avoid outdoor activities and to wear face masks.

Anyone who has respiratory problems, or has symptoms of red eyes or a cough, should consult a doctor, experts said. According to the Air Quality and Noise Management Control Bureau, the level of air particles in tambon Bandong, Mae Mo district was 168 microgrammes per cubic metre (u/cg) and 144u/cg in tambon Phra Baht, Muang district Sunday which exceeds the safety limit of 120u/cg which poses a health risk.

It was reported that a combined team of military officers and local officials were making haste to put out a forest fire near Doi Phra Baht in tambon Phra Baht.

The fire reportedly broke out at an area near Doi Phra Bath two days ago.