Fire torches Phichit warehouse, 10 million baht damage
A fire ravaged four connected buildings housing a second-hand Japanese goods warehouse in the heart of Phichit, causing 10 million baht in damages. The fire broke out around 12.30am today, October 29, with local police and emergency services scrambling to control the blaze.
Police Lieutenant Natthaphon Netyim, deputy inspector of Mueang Phichit Police Station, received a report about the fire on Bueng Si Fai Road in the Phichit municipality. Upon arrival, the police found a two-storey building engulfed in flames. The property, owned by Phitsamai, was rented out as a store selling second-hand Japanese goods and also served as a warehouse for furniture, sofas, beds, musical instruments, and home decor items.
Phichit Mayor Suraphol Tiaotrakul, along with district chief Sompong Homsanit and the Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, quickly coordinated efforts to tackle the fire. More than 10 fire trucks from various areas were called in to assist.
The fire was intense due to the abundance of combustible materials in the store, including old wooden furniture, which made it particularly challenging to extinguish. After more than four hours of relentless efforts, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control. The estimated damage is reported to be in the 10 million baht (US$296,120).
Initial investigations revealed that locals heard an explosion, followed by smoke and flames erupting from the building. Fortunately, there were no casualties as the tenants were out of town at the time of the incident.
According to the mayor, his own home is located across the street from the fire. He recounted hearing a loud explosion and seeing smoke emanating from the middle of the building before the flames became visible. The mayor then coordinated with multiple fire departments to address the emergency, reported KhaoSod.
“I heard a loud explosion and saw smoke coming from the middle of the building. Shortly after, I saw flames, and we immediately called for firefighting assistance from various areas.”
