Fiery destruction in Phuket leaves 29 homeless: Safety warning
A fire in Phuket’s Mueang district destroyed six rental homes and left 29 residents in urgent need of temporary shelter. The fire, which broke out yesterday, January 20, prompted the provincial governor to call for increased vigilance during the Chinese New Year festivities.
Emergency services, including the Phuket Municipality’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, responded swiftly to the fire reported in a rental house on Poonpol 5 Alley, Talat Nuea subdistrict.
The incident saw the involvement of key officials such as Sophon Suwannarat, the Phuket Provincial Governor, and Ronarong Tipsiri, Deputy Governor, among others. Fire trucks from various regions, including Phuket Municipality and Rassada subdistrict, were dispatched to the scene.
The fire originated in a single-storey rental house and quickly spread due to strong winds and the flammable nature of the old wooden structures. Firefighters took approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes to contain the blaze, preventing further damage to nearby homes.
Initial reports indicate that six homes were destroyed, with another five sustaining damage from water and fire. One person suffered minor injuries but there were no fatalities.
A nearby tailor reported hearing strange noises from behind house number 9 before noticing smoke and flames. Despite calling the fire brigade promptly, the fire spread rapidly, exacerbated by the windy conditions and the age of the wooden buildings.
Photo courtesy of KhaoSodGovernor Sophon emphasised the age of the buildings, noting they were over 40 years old and constructed with old wood, which served as a catalyst for the fire. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Phuket’s forensic team.
The governor urged residents to exercise caution with fire, particularly as Chinese New Year approaches, advising against unnecessary burning of incense or candles, reported KhaoSod.
The 29 affected residents have been provided with temporary accommodation at the Phuket Municipality’s Civil Defence Volunteer Centre, and initial support in terms of food and shelter.
Some residents have opted to stay with their employers. Police continue to assess the damage and investigate the cause of the blaze.
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