Emergency workers at the Chalong Municipality’s Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) were notified of a fire at Soi Thanuthep at around 1.20pm yesterday (Feb 8).
Upon arriving at the scene between Chao Fa West Rd and Chao Fa East Rd, firefighters found burning vegetation and garbage behind the houses.
Within 15-20 minutes, the fire was taken under control before spreading and affecting nearby buildings, Chalong Municipality reported. In case of an emergency, residents can request assistance 24/7 by calling 076-383595, officials reminded.
It was not clarified at what stage local residents called firefighters to what appears in the photos as controlled burning of organic waste, which apparently went out of control.
Fire season in Thailand
With the dry season continuing in Thailand, the central office of the DDPM has already issued a warning regarding wildfires, asking residents and tourists to be extra cautious. The request for cooperation consists of three main points:
- Refrain from activities requiring open fire or creating risks of uncontrollable fires, such as burning garbage, lighting incense sticks and candles without proper monitoring, and leaving not fully extinguished cigarette butts.
- Keep forests clean of flammable materials, remove such materials from forest edges. Use composting and other methods of utilization of organic waste rather than burning.
- Create fire protection lines (moats, earth embankments) to stop fire from spreading and affecting agricultural areas, residential areas.
A separate request for cooperation was issued yesterday (Feb 8) in connection with the Chinese New Year celebrations. Residents and visitors have been kindly asked "to be more careful when engaging in fire-related activities." This includes:
- Don’t leave burning candles and incense sticks unattended, always extinguish them completely.
- Burn golden paper and paper money in a fire-proof container only.
- Do not use firecrackers and fireworks in fire-prone areas, including near power lines or houses.
- Always turn off electric appliances after use.
- Always close valves on gas cylinders after cooking.