Late-Night Fire Engulfs Four Buildings at Kad Luang, Chiang Mai

Picture from responders.

Chiang Mai's Provincial Police Radio Centre received a report of a fire at 01.00 on September 25, at a commercial building near Kad Luang Market, located in the Chang Moi Subdistrict of Mueang Chiang Mai District. Emergency services, including the Chiang Mai Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department and rescue teams, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

The fire broke out in a three-story commercial building, with thick smoke and flames rapidly spreading across the second and third floors. Firefighters promptly called in additional fire trucks and requested that the Provincial Electricity Authority temporarily cut off the power supply to the area to prevent further hazards. Crews worked for nearly two hours before successfully containing the blaze.

Four adjacent units were damaged by the fire. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The total value of the damage is still under assessment by authorities.

Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud explosion while they were sleeping, followed by shouts of "Fire!" When they rushed outside, they saw flames and thick smoke consuming the buildings and spreading quickly to neighboring units. Residents had to flee the area to escape the advancing fire.

Initial investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Police and fire officials are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the blaze.

Adding to the chaos, light rain was falling at the time of the fire, and the Ping River’s water level had risen significantly. Floodwaters have already begun to overflow into parts of Chiang Mai city, especially in areas adjacent to the river. 

-- 2024-09-25