Guests Rescued From Hotel During Fire

[brianthainess]

21 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Update in Thai media.

The fire caused extensive damage, completely destroying 66 homes and additionally, the fire spread to the following structures:

 

    •    New Empire Hotel (Building No. 572): Damage to the 4th, 5th, and 6th floors.
    •    Chaloem Buri Shark Fin Restaurant (Building No. 540): Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.
    •    Tai Seng Restaurant: Damage to the 4th and 5th floors.

 

The cause of the fire cannot yet be determined due to the extent of the damage.

Reported Injuries:

 

 1.   One male suffered electric shock and was admitted to Hua Chiew Hospital.
 2.  Two males suffered from smoke inhalation and were admitted to Klang Hospital.
 3.   Two males also suffered from smoke inhalation but were treated and discharged from Taksin Hospital and Samitivej Chinatown Hospital, respectively.

 

Mr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the provincial governor, traveled to inspect the damage to the Trok Pho community. The BMA has opened registration to help people affected by the fire at the joint command centre, a tent in front of the Chinatown Hotel.

 

 

Time to demolish the whole lot and build again with concrete, and better electrics. 

[off road pat]

On 7/7/2024 at 2:46 AM, steven100 said:

The problem being when a fire breaks out down small alley's or soi's ...  fire trucks cannot fit and many of the houses and shops are made of old dry wood and they go up in flames like match sticks ..... 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I remember that a few years ago they bought specially fitted quads for the fire brigade in Bangkok just to go into the small alleys !?!? Were they used ??

[Georgealbert]

July 8,  Fire Investigation in Trok Pho Community, Bangkok.

 

Forensic police have identified the origin of a recent fire and it is believed to have started on the second floor of a wooden house. Evidence collected includes a spirit house, electrical appliances, and wiring. Initial findings indicate no signs of an electrical short circuit or arson.

 

Today, forensic officials visited the site to collect evidence for scientific analysis to determine the cause of the fire. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Piwphan, Commissioner of the Forensic Police, confirmed the second-floor origin of the fire, which aligns with witness statements.

 

Following the collection of crucial evidence, it will be analysed to uncover the fire's cause and then handed over to the investigation team for further case development.

 

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, during his inspection of the Trok Pho community, noted that the community had about 20 fire extinguishers installed, matching the population size. However, the rapid spread of the fire prevented their use. Fortunately, prior fire evacuation training enabled residents to escape safely.

https://www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/341837

[Georgealbert]

1 hour ago, off road pat said:

I remember that a few years ago they bought specially fitted quads for the fire brigade in Bangkok just to go into the small alleys !?!? Were they used ??

Bangkok Fire Service has a number of the ATV mini fire trucks, see below, for access in narrow streets/alleys. The deployment in this fire would have not help, as these mini trucks can only provide an initial first aid fire fighting attack, while hose-lines are put in place to support that initial attack.

 

This was a fast developing spreading fire, far beyond the capability of the ATVs, and they would probably have been an hindrance if deployed in the narrow alleyways, blocking both means of escape for fleeing residents and access for responders with larger hose-lines.

 

This fire was contained by large volumes of water, through multiple hose-lines, and would have benefited from the use of aerial appliances, such as turntable ladders or ALPs (aerial ladder platforms). Responders were forced to use hose-lines from neighbouring buildings to apply water from above ground level.

[Georgealbert]

Thai media reported.
 

July 8, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the Pho Alley community to inspect the area and offer support to local officials. He addressed claims that Bangkok's fire hydrants were located 500 meters away from the fire site, stating that this information is inaccurate.

 

Governor Chadchart highlighted that the first fire hydrant is situated across the entrance to Pho Alley, approximately 30 meters from the fire site. Walking further into the alley, he pointed out a second hydrant, only 10 meters from the origin of the fire. Additionally, a third hydrant is located at Pho Place Hotel, around 70 meters from the fire. The closest hydrant could not be used due to its proximity to the fire and the collapse of a nearby house. Therefore, the fire hydrants in the community were adequate and not an issue in this incident.
 

The community also has 20 fire extinguishers, exceeding the standard requirement of one extinguisher per five households, as there are 69 households in the area. However, the rapid spread of the fire made using the extinguishers ineffective.

 

Governor Chadchart further noted that Pho Alley community underwent fire evacuation training earlier this year as part of a program for dense communities. This year, 370 communities have been trained to ensure preparedness and awareness of evacuation routes and assembly points during emergencies.

 

"In addressing and managing such situations, we aim to improve our efforts and extend these practices to other communities like Sampheng and Khlong Thom. Prevention, accurate cause analysis, and community readiness are crucial. Bangkok is open to all suggestions for further improvements," stated Governor Chadchart.

 

Edited July 8 by Georgealbert

[AustinRacing]

On 7/7/2024 at 12:16 PM, Georgealbert said:

From Thai media.

 

“Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin was informed of the fire incident in the Phothi Community, Yaowarat, last night and promptly issued directives to ensure the safety of the local residents. He instructed the fire to be extinguished and ordered the rescue of those trapped. All relevant agencies have been directed to provide thorough support and care for both Thai citizens and foreign nationals affected by the fire.

 

Official Statement:

Chai Wacharong, the spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, disclosed that the fire is now under control. The Prime Minister has mandated that the involved agencies continue to provide assistance and support to the affected population. This includes managing the situation, assessing the needs of the residents, and ensuring the health and safety of those injured and the community at large.

 

Additional Information:

•    The government is committed to providing all necessary aid to the victims of the fire.
•    Efforts are being made to facilitate the recovery and rehabilitation of the affected area.”

 

https://www.fm91bkk.com/newsarticle/32936
 

The Samphanthawong District Office, in collaboration with various agencies, has established a relief centre at Wat Samphanthawongsaram Worawihan (Wat Koh) on Song Sawat Road to assist those affected by the fire.

 

•    The relief centre aims to provide immediate support and resources to the affected families.
•    Volunteers and community members are encouraged to offer any other forms of assistance needed.

 

This guy’s a genius. Ordered to put the fire out and ordered the rescue of trapped people. What would Thais do without his leadership. In this case all of bkk would’ve been on fire trapping millions. What a wise hero. 

[Luuk Chaai]

23 hours ago, PETERTHEEATER said:

🤯

 

a man with a plan

[Peabody]

2 things impressed me:

1. The community fire-preparedness training. If done properly, probably VERY helpful.

2. The effective use of the IR drone. Nice application of tech!

Overall nice job. So sorry for those who lost all of the likely little that they owned. Mostly Chinese families? If so, probably gold/cash kept at home and lost in the blaze.

[balo]

Any fire is ten times more dangerous in a city like Bangkok, glad everyone survived. 

 

[Georgealbert]

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has stressed the importance of proactive fire prevention measures following a recent fire incident in the Phloi Alley community. He highlighted that true fire safety involves more than just having fire hydrants; it requires fire extinguishers, regular fire drills, and accessible routes for fire trucks and personnel.

 

Governor Chadchart revealed that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has conducted fire evacuation training in over 300 communities this year, including the Phloi Alley community earlier this year. He attributed the absence of casualties in the recent fire to these trainings.

 

He noted that 256 communities in Bangkok have limited access for fire trucks. Simply having fire hydrants does not guarantee safety, as proper fire extinguishers, evacuation drills, and clear routes for firefighters are essential. Fire hydrants must be operated by trained personnel.

 

The Governor has directed the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to assess and improve fire safety in densely populated areas such as Sampeng, Ratchawong, Phahurat, Charoenchai, and Khlong Thom. This includes evaluating the condition of electrical wiring and reviewing firefighting plans for these communities.

 

https://www.thaipbs.or.th/news/content/341883
 

 

[Georgealbert]

In a follow up to this fire, the Bangkok Governor tries to be proactive in other identified high risk communities, with fire inspections and drills.

 

“Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, along with Suriya Chai Rawiwann, Director of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), and other relevant officials, conducted a thorough inspection of fire safety readiness in the Khlong Thom area. The aim was to assure both residents and business operators of their safety.

 

The governor stated that the visit to Khlong Thom follows an initial survey conducted the previous day. The inspection focused on three main areas: ensuring water is available in fire hydrants, checking the presence and condition of fire extinguishers—primarily distributed in communities rather than private properties—and planning evacuation drills for residents. He emphasised the importance of understanding the sequence of emergency response, particularly how rescue vehicles will navigate the area, given that smaller vehicles often arrive first, creating challenges for larger fire trucks.

 

DDPM Director Suriya Chai highlighted the challenges faced during a recent fire incident in the Trok Pho community. The DDPM has been conducting joint drills with volunteers, traffic police, and district offices, dividing the area into red, yellow, and green zones. Firefighters and rescue personnel operate in the red zone, while traffic management is handled by traffic police and municipal officers. Volunteers assist with safety, property security, and traffic control. Drills include ensuring that ambulances park outside the immediate area to prevent them from being blocked.

 

Governor Chadchart underscored the importance of these drills, especially given the influx of external personnel during major incidents. Proper coordination is essential to manage vehicle access, water hose connections, and fire truck parking. During the fire hydrant tests, the governor reminded residents to avoid parking near hydrants and valve locations, which are often found on sidewalks and roads. He stressed the need for clear access to these hydrants to enable effective firefighting. If water pressure is insufficient, local officials will coordinate with the Metropolitan Waterworks Authority to boost pressure, possibly using pump systems for additional support.

 

Today's inspection revealed several issues, such as obstructed valves, difficult-to-open valves, and stores with fire extinguisher boxes but no extinguishers. The governor instructed the DDPM to conduct regular inspections and ensure that fire hydrants and extinguishers are in working order, evacuation plans are in place, and public training on fire escape procedures is provided. Clear signage should also be installed to guide residents during emergencies.”

 

https://www.fm91bkk.com/newsarticle/33436