Mr. Phichit Hunsiri, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads (DRR), revealed that the department has prepared a plan to handle wildfires and is reviewing measures to reduce the impact of PM2.5 dust. He emphasized the importance of inspecting agency vehicles to help lessen environmental damage, promoting public health and quality of life in local areas. This also ensures clear visibility for safe driving, reducing road accidents. Regarding wildfire and haze response, he has instructed the Department of Rural Highways (DRH), Rural Highway Districts, and Rural Highway Maintenance Divisions to continuously inspect the rural road network and manage roadside weeds to prevent burning of weeds along rural roads.
At the same time, orders have been given to install public awareness signs along roads to educate the public about preventing wildfires and haze. Preparations are being made regarding personnel and equipment to respond to any roadside fires. In case of an incident, rapid support will be provided in cooperation with relevant local agencies to control the situation and restore normal conditions quickly.
For road construction projects under the DRR's responsibility, contractors and supervisors have been instructed to increase watering rounds to help reduce dust in construction areas. Additionally, DRH and all Rural Highway Districts nationwide are conducting inspections of black smoke emissions from machinery and agency vehicles to detect exhaust emissions and particulate matter or PM2.5 exceeding standards. They also check machinery condition to ensure readiness, prohibit use of machines that emit black smoke, avoid using used engine oil in machinery, and enforce regular oil changes with appropriate oil grades according to standards, helping to reduce pollution from operations.
However, the DRR requests local residents' cooperation. If they observe wildfires or weed burning along rural roads, they can report or seek assistance from the DRH, Rural Highway Districts, and Rural Highway Maintenance Divisions in their area, or call the Department of Rural Roads hotline at 1146.
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