Fire Impacts

  Both monetary or environmental damages caused by fire are tremendous. There is now worldwide awareness that fire threatens not only the existence of the global wildlands but also the well- being of all mankind. The problem created by forest fire swiftly become an international concern. At the Earth Summit held in Brazil, one of the main issue raised for discussion was the effect of fire on environment. The main concern is the gases emitted from fires which contribute to global warming and consequently the climatic change.

  In Thailand, fire damage in monetary term is utmost difficult to assess. Yet, some estimations have been conducted. On the other hand, damages in ecological term are obvious. In 1992 the faculty of Forestry, Kasetsart University has issued a report on the effect of forest fires in Thailand as follows:

- Impact on vegetation: Forest fire retarded tree growth. The growth of saplings was reduced 20-25 percent and 40 percent of the saplings died. Seedling and undergrowth were largely killed. About 80% of the roots at or near soil surface were damaged. About 20% of 1-5 years old trees in plantation died.

- Economic impact: Dry Dipterocarp forest, Mixed Deciduous forest, Pine forest and tree plantations had monetary losses of about 35,735; 15,375; 23,700; and 8,750 Bahts per hectare, respectively. However another assessment conducted by the same institute in 1998 giving new figures of 38,614 Bahts per hectare for Dry Dipterocarp forest and 59,776 Bahts per hectare for Mixed Deciduous forest.

- Impact on soil and water: After forest fires, surface runoff increased 3 fold and soil erosion increased 3-30 fold. Consequently, runoff, suspended sediment and turbidity increased along streams and rivers. Loss of plant nutrient and water quality could be equivalent to a monetary loss of about US$ 16,000-32,000 million per year.

- Impact on air quality and scenic beauty: Smoke remains in the atmosphere for weeks or months after fires. The forest fire smoke contributed to the greenhouse effect. It also causes a remarkable reduction in light intensity, visibility, and scenic beauty. Smoke may also have some possible impacts on economic crops and human health.

- Impact on wildlife: Forest fire could kill wild animals especially eggs, young and slow moving species. However, some survival animals would be in pain or lame and some animals might die due to smoke suffocation.

[Type and Duration] [Causes][Annual burnt areas][Fire Impacts]