Bangkok (NNT/VNA) – Thailand’s Air Force Chief ACM Manat Wongwathas deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to join in an operation to putout a forest fire in the central province of Nakhon Nayok.

The forest fire has engulfed Khao Makha Thong and Khao Tabak mountain areas inNakhon Nayok province with smoke billowing over the Chulachomklao RoyalMilitary Academy and the Pre-cadet School and nearby areas.

The Air Force chief deployed the UAV to take pictures of hot spots in KhaoMakha Thong and Khao Tabak mountain areas for use as information to helprelevant agencies take steps to prevent or extinguish future forest fires. TwoC-130 transport planes from Air Wing 6 and a BT-67 plane from Air Wing 46 inPhitsanulok province were dispatched carrying 10,000 litres of Fire Wall II gelto put out the forest fire. A tactical Combat Control Team was set up tocoordinate integrated cooperation with Khao Yai national park officials,provincial disaster relief officials and the Army.

The Fire Wall II gel is an organic polymer which absorbs humidity and reducesthe temperature of a fire; it is non-toxic and is degradable in 28 days. FireWall II gel is more efficient in extinguishing a fire than normal water whichmostly evaporate due to the heat./.