Bangkok: Forces are being mobilized to contain a fire at a furniture factory in the Lat Krabang area. The latest update is that there is still a large amount of smoke. Damage is estimated to be in the tens of millions of baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the fire broke out at 4:24 p.m. in a furniture factory located on Chalong Krung Road, parallel to Soi Chalong Krung 55, Lam Pla Thio Subdistrict, Lat Krabang District, Bangkok. The factory, a two-story building with a mezzanine floor and a basement storing materials and equipment, became engulfed in smoke and flames. The origin of the fire was traced to the basement, and firefighters faced challenges accessing the area due to intense smoke and heat, necessitating the use of specialized equipment, including oxygen masks.
The initial damage assessment remains pending until the situation stabilizes. The Lat Krabang Incident Command Center, along with Chalong Krung Police Station, will convene to investigate the cause and assess the value of the damaged property. The factory owner has been informed of the incident.
Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the governor of Bangkok, has tasked Dr. Surajit Pongsinghwitaya, President of the Bangkok Council, and Mr. Tharapong Petchkong, Director of the Lat Krabang District Office, to manage the incident on-site. Dr. Surachit Pongsingwittaya stated that the cause of the fire is still undetermined, but a significant amount of smoke persists, requiring the application of foam and water. Rescue volunteers, disaster relief units, and police officers from Chalong Krung Police Station are coordinating the response efforts.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities, as the incident occurred during a holiday. The factory, which housed finished furniture ready for export, contained highly flammable materials such as plywood, pallets, and plastic, exacerbating the fire’s intensity. Firefighters have been unable to access the ground floor due to the heat and smoke, but support from an LUF-60 air pump and compressor, along with a timely rain, has aided in smoke dissipation.
Despite efforts, dense materials in the basement continue to fuel the fire, prolonging the smoke’s presence. The Lat Krabang District Office set up an incident command center in Lamphong School, adjacent to the scene, and residents from nearby communities have temporarily gathered there due to the heat and smoke affecting their homes.
As of 1:00 a.m., fire control efforts remain ongoing. Firefighters reported structural cracks and loud noises from the building, prompting a tactical withdrawal for safety. Challenges include the narrow area and abundant flammable materials like plastic pellets and wood. Over 100 water trucks from various Bangkok districts have been deployed to contain the fire and prevent its spread to neighboring areas.