In Thailand, emergency services have been trying feverishly for days to extinguish a forest fire that has gotten out of control. The fire, believed to have been triggered by lightning, has been raging in a forested area in Nakhon Nayok province since Tuesday.

There are fears that the flames could spread to Khao Yai National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2005, the Bangkok Post newspaper reported. The fire front is now only three kilometers away from the park.

Meteorologists meanwhile warned that the capital Bangkok could be hit by severe air pollution in the coming week if the blaze is not brought under control. The metropolis of millions is only about 100 kilometers away from Nakhon Nayok. Strong winds from China are expected to blow the smoke towards the capital on April 6-7, it said.

Provincial governor Bancha Chaowarin announced on Thursday that it would probably take five days for the fire to be extinguished. However, everything will be done to reach the goal sooner. The fire brigade was deployed, among other things, with three fire-fighting helicopters.