People fight a forest fire during the dry season at Chhouk village in Koh Kong province’s Sre Ambel district in March 2023. Police
Authorities in coastal and heavily forested provinces have issued advisories to all factory and business owners about the need for vigilance this dry season, as the risk of fires rises. They warned that poorly stored agricultural waste, garbage and electrical malfunctions are all potential sources of fire.
Kep provincial deputy governor Som Piseth warned that the current hot weather is a factor in both increased fire risk and drought.
He urged members of the public to play their part in protecting the Kingdom’s natural resources, noting that the forests are a major attraction for tourists.
He also instructed the provincial Department of Water Resources and Meteorology to cooperate closely with town and district administrations to educate farmers about the importance of judicious use of water dams and reservoirs to irrigate their crops.
“The provincial environment and agriculture departments should work together to prevent forest fires, and all business owners must increase their vigilance against the risk of fire,” he added.
He ordered the provincial police forces to remain alert and stand ready to take action in the case of a wildfire breaking out.
In Kandal province, governor Kong Sophorn has instructed local authorities to warn the public about the heightened fire risk.
“We always spread the word about this issue as we interact with local communities. We advise them to be especially careful when using candles or incense, and to make sure electrical connections and wiring are well maintained. They should also avoid burning garbage or straw anywhere where it could cause a fire,” he said.
In addition to these instructions, he has laid out several precautionary measures and instructed the relevant authorities – as well as private businesses with water tanks – to be prepared to assist in extinguishing fires, especially if they are near to residential areas.
In Koh Kong province, deputy governor Sok Sothy said relevant local authorities have been instructed to prepare emergency measures in case fires break out.
He noted that several organisations working on natural resource and wildlife conservation have prepared water tanks to help combat possible wildfires.
“We have instructed the authorities to speak to all factories and other businesses, as well as community members, about the need to be more vigilant about the risks associated with electrical problems, candles, incense and poorly disposed of cigarette butts,” he said.
The Ministry of Environment, together with the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, recently introduced new measures aimed at preventing wildfires, and also issued fresh calls for all stakeholders, especially communities living in protected areas, to prevent wildfires by any means.
