In a novel initiative to combat the persistent threat of wildfires, provincial officers and elephant camp owners in Chiang Mai have launched a campaign in Mae Taeng district to utilise elephants in creating firebreaks around the vulnerable Pang Mai Daeng forest. This innovative approach not only aims to protect the northern Thai province’s rich biodiversity but also to address the severe air pollution that plagues the region each summer.
On Monday, the campaign was officially introduced in Ban Chang subdistrict, an area notorious for frequent forest fires during the dry season. Siwakorn Buapong, deputy governor of Chiang Mai, highlighted the dual benefits of the project, noting that it safeguards both the environment and the health of local communities. “Forest fires are not only threatening the province’s biodiversity, they also contribute to the air pollution problem in the northern region,” Siwakorn explained. He added that Mae Taeng district, home to over 400 elephants across various camps, is uniquely positioned to leverage these animals’ ability to navigate thick forests and create effective firebreaks.
The involvement of elephants in wildfire prevention is a practical response to a pressing environmental challenge. Wildfires near elephant camps can cause the animals to panic, leading to potential accidents and damage. By engaging elephants in creating firebreaks—strips of cleared land designed to halt the spread of fires—the initiative seeks to mitigate these risks while fostering a safer environment for both the elephants and nearby communities. “This project will benefit both the health of the local community and the elephants as well,” Siwakorn said during the launch. 
Apichit Duangdee, owner of Elephant Rescue Park in Mae Taeng, echoed this sentiment. He noted that many elephant camps are situated close to forests prone to ignition during the dry season. “Wildfires that occur near the camps could cause the elephants to panic, potentially leading to accidents and damage,” Apichit said. He believes the firebreak project offers a proactive solution, protecting the livelihoods of elephant owners while contributing to broader community safety.
Chiang Mai has long grappled with seasonal wildfires, exacerbated by dry conditions and, at times, human activity such as agricultural burning. The resulting haze often blankets the northern region, posing significant health risks and disrupting daily life. In recent years, air quality in Chiang Mai has frequently ranked among the worst globally during peak burning seasons, with particulate matter levels far exceeding safe thresholds. The use of elephants to create firebreaks represents a culturally resonant and environmentally sensitive strategy, drawing on Thailand’s deep connection with these iconic animals.
Beyond the immediate benefits of fire prevention, the campaign reflects a broader effort to integrate traditional practices with modern conservation needs. Elephants have historically played a central role in Thai culture, revered as symbols of strength and wisdom. Their involvement in this initiative underscores a community-driven approach to environmental stewardship, uniting provincial authorities, private stakeholders, and local residents in a shared mission.
Siwakorn also outlined the province’s comprehensive approach to wildfire management, which includes round-the-clock monitoring and coordination with various agencies and private sectors to establish firebreaks at strategic locations. The collaboration with elephant camp owners marks an innovative addition to these efforts, blending local knowledge with practical action. “Today, elephant owners have participated in efforts to prevent the problem,” he noted, expressing optimism about the campaign’s potential impact.
While the initiative is still in its early stages, it has already garnered attention as a model for sustainable wildfire prevention. If successful, it could inspire similar projects in other fire-prone regions of Thailand and beyond, where community resources and local wildlife might be harnessed for environmental protection. For now, the focus remains on protecting Pang Mai Daeng forest and ensuring the safety of both elephants and residents in Mae Taeng district.
As Chiang Mai braces for another challenging dry season, the sight of elephants trudging through forests to carve out firebreaks offers a glimmer of hope. It is a reminder that innovative solutions to environmental crises can emerge from the most unexpected partnerships, blending tradition with urgency to safeguard a region’s future.
