Suspected Arson Sparks Forest Fire Near Recycling Shop in Chonburi

Picture and video from responders.

A forest fire near a recycling shop in Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi, escalated into chaos as flames spread to a pile of waste materials, requiring multiple fire trucks and numerous firefighters to bring it under control.

The incident occurred around noon on December 24, prompting a rapid response from local disaster relief teams, including those from the Nong Pla Lai and Takhian Tia municipalities and Pattaya’s land disaster prevention unit. Rescue personnel from the Sawang Boriboon Foundation also assisted with specialised equipment, while police from the Bang Lamung Police Station coordinated at the scene.

The fire originated behind the recycling shop, which spans approximately eight rai of land. The flames quickly engulfed a large pile of discarded plastic bottles and other waste materials. Access to the source of the fire proved challenging for fire trucks, necessitating the use of a backhoe to create pathways and contain the blaze. After two gruelling hours, firefighters successfully extinguished the fire.

Mr. Suriya 55, the shop owner, said he had been preparing to leave for an errand when an employee alerted him to the fire. He immediately returned and contacted emergency services for assistance.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire began in the forested area behind the shop, which borders the site where plastic waste had been piled. The flames from the forest fire spread to the shop’s waste materials, but the exact cause of the blaze remains unknown. Authorities are investigating whether the fire was started deliberately.

-- 2024-12-25