Nissan’s support for fighting forest fires continues for 3^rd consecutive year

• 2 Nissan Navara PRO-4X join Fire Hawk Team in forest fire prevention and suppression
• Check dam built by Nissan employees and dealer staff together with local community helps increase soil humidity and promote sustainable forest conservation

CHIANGMAI, THAILAND (27 February 2024) – Nissan Thailand has continued its support to the Royal Forest Department’s Fire Hawk Team with the loan of  two Nissan Navara PRO-4X and by donating necessary tools to support the fight by the team and local volunteers to prevent and suppress forest fires in areas most affected by hotspots and PM2.5 pollution. The ceremony to deliver the pickups and equipment was held in Chiang Mai on the “Forest Fire Smoke-Free Campaign Day”, which takes place on the 24^th of February.

To enhance forest fire prevention, Nissan has cooperated with its local dealer and staff to build check dams. These increase soil humidity, conserve soil and improve land, key factors promoting forest conservation in the long run.

Varit Pakdeeyingyong, Vice President – Sales, Nissan Thailand, said, “Forest fires and their impact, especially the PM2.5, are very serious environmental issues because of their massive impact on Thailand and its neighbors.  This problem is quite complicated and requires huge efforts, cooperation and time to tackle. Our continuous support for forest fire prevention and suppression in the past few years has shown that high-performance vehicles like the Nissan Navara and necessary equipment and tools can help people on the frontline work better, faster and more safely. This year, we have reinforced that support by building a check dam to support forest fire prevention and forest rehabilitation.”

Thawatchai Thanarojrungruang, Director of the Chiangmai Forest Fire Control Extension Center, said, “Forest fire fighting is physically and mentally demanding work. Our staff and volunteers have to work in high-risk areas like dense forests, high mountains and ravines. Support from the private sector and the public provides real moral support for us and helps us work more efficiently and safely. Your support also shows that everyone cares and is committed to protecting our valuable natural resources and finding solutions to national environmental issues.”

Hotspots are found more often in the dry season. Thailand’s Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) reported that at the beginning of February 2024, as many as 1,151 hotspots were identified in Thailand. The most recent report released on 19^th February showed that 895 hotspots had been identified nationwide. The situation in Thailand is considered the third most serious in Southeast Asia after Myanmar and Cambodia.

Chiang Mai is one of the provinces with the highest risks of forest fire. In summer, the potential for fire outbreaks increases as dry leaves can easily catch fire. The intense cooperation between Chiang Mai, local government and private organizations in fighting forest fires has yielded satisfactory results, with the province recently reporting that it has efficiently handled and reduced hotspots by 87% and dust by 93%.

In the two years since the Nissan Navara PRO-4X has been used by the Fire Hawk team in their forest fire prevention and suppression mission, statistics show that the pickups have shortened the time spent on each operation from 5 hours to 3 hours for small areas, and from 2 days in larger areas covering at least 20 rai to only one day.

The Nissan Navara PRO-4X best suits this operation due to its powerful performance and toughness, which are the DNA of Nissan pickups. It can transport people and equipment on rough roads through the woods and bring volunteers from local communities under the responsibility of the Fire Hawk Team to the forest fire hotspot faster. Meanwhile, other necessary equipment helps them work more efficiently, safely and conveniently.

Nissan Navara PRO-4X is powered by the powerful 2.3-liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC twin-turbocharged YS23DDTT engine offering maximum power of 190 hp (Ps) and 450 Nm of torque (Nm), and a 7-speed automatic transmission (7AT) with manual driving mode (M mode) for enhanced driving performance. Its famous ‘Fully-Boxed Frame,’ a single piece steel chassis, provides excellent payload capabilities. Other features offering usability and versatility include an integrated step in the rear bumper that makes bed access easier and a flap-type, tie-down hook that helps secure both large and small loads.

Together with the 2 Nissan Navara, Nissan has donated other tools and equipment, including an electrical chainsaw, multi-purpose spotlight, medicines and dry food, to the forest fire fighting teams and volunteers.

At the same time, a group of staff from Nissan and its dealers have built a check dam in Mae-On district. The check dam will help increase soil humidity, which lower risks of forest fire. In the long run, the check dam will also promote forest conservation and rehabilitation.