THE IMPACTS OF FOREST FIRES ON THE RESIDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF KHAO JOT SUBDISTRICT, SI SAWAT DISTRICT, KANCHANABURI PROVINCE

Abstract

          This research article aims 1) to examine the impacts of forest fires on local residents in Khao Jot Subdistrict, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province, and  2) to utilize the findings to develop processes for mitigating the effects of forest fires in various aspects within the same area. The study employed a quantitative research design. The sample group consisted of   357 residents of Khao Jot Subdistrict, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. Theresearch instrument was a questionnaire covering seven dimensions. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean () and standard deviation. The results indicated that the most severely affected dimensions were: the policy impacts of forest fires ( = 3.39). impacts on wildlife and living organisms (= 3.37). and impacts on vegetation ( = 3.30).The moderately affected dimensions were the social and psychological impacts (= 2.92) and impacts on life and property (= 2.88). The least affected dimension was health impacts ( = 2.84), Guidelines for developing processes to mitigate forest fire impacts in the area should focus on establishing a local-level forest fire operations center to integrate systematic monitoring and response mechanisms. In addition, it is recommended to strengthen preventive and responsive measures from local governmental agencies, alongside ecological restoration and community economic resilience enhancement. This includes promoting the cultivation of short-lived and ground-cover crops, implementing temporary restrictions on forest product collection and hunting, and fostering sustainable environmental and social recovery.