Authorities in Luang Prabang expect that it will take longer to extinguish the fire at a landfill in Lak 8 village amid ongoing forest fires due to slash-and-burn agriculture being practiced across the province.
Vientiane Mai reports that a fire broke out at a landfill on 13 February releasing clouds of smoke in the city of Luang Prabang and nearby areas.
Mr. Davanh Sirivong, Deputy Head of Urban Development and Management in Luang Prabang said during an interview on Thursday that authorities in the province are still struggling to control and extinguish the fire.
He added that the large area of the landfill and the lack of funds to purchase fuel and necessary equipment slowed down the process of extinguishing the fire.
According to Mr. Davanh, the fire spread due to individuals who collected waste and ignited the fire.
The provincial authorities are continuing to spray water from fire trucks and work together with locals and business sector to tackle the blaze.
A resident in Luang Prabang has called on authorities to tackle the fire on social media as smoke from the landfill has been severely affecting the health of people in the area.
https://twitter.com/laotiantimes/status/1628964551348654081?s=46&t=1Cc0k7U4R4LaBl1vzeB-Zg&fbclid=IwAR1zSrJ2I_T5JflgSxaSgJmY6d65cLeG14oQcO5nymoKGrRwfWfvHB5eWNo
The AQI (Air Quality Index) readings in Luang Prabang reached an unhealthy level this month due to crop burning, resulting in poor air quality for residents.
