Fire Destroys Bang Pho Timber Warehouse, Millions in Damage

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A devastating fire engulfed a timber warehouse in Bang Pho, Bangkok, on January 18, causing millions of baht in damage. The fire spread rapidly, leaving the facility completely destroyed, and officials have now set up a temporary relief centre for affected residents, as a full assessment of the damage in ongoing.

 

The blaze broke out at a single-storey timber warehouse on Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23, Bang Sue District. Firefighters from Bang Pho Station rushed to the scene with multiple fire engines, battling the flames for over two hours before bringing the fire under control.

 

In the aftermath, Bang Sue District officials, along with the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre, established a registration point for affected residents at Wat Anamnikkayaram (Wat Yuan Bang Pho) and are preparing a temporary shelter for those displaced.

 

Ms. Pinitip Satperatpray, 57, the owner of the warehouse, recounted the incident. At approximately 10:35, an employee noticed thick smoke billowing from the site. Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread quickly. Ms. Pinitip immediately evacuated her elderly mother, who uses a wheelchair, and her uncle from their nearby home, ensuring their safety.

 

“We had no time to save anything. The fire destroyed everything,” she said, estimating the damages to her business at several million baht. Although the family home sustained minor damage, most possessions were left behind in the rush to escape. Ms. Pinitip has already registered for emergency relief and urged the public to exercise caution during the current dry and windy conditions.

 

Neighbour Ms. Buaphan, 65, was selling goods at her home when she noticed the large plume of smoke. “I ran back to my house to gather my family and evacuate. It was so frightening, and I didn’t know what to do,” she explained.

 

Although her house avoided serious damage, it was soaked by water and filled with smoke. Ms. Buaphan and her 7-year-old grandson managed to escape unharmed, but they remain unable to return home.

 

Timeline of Events

 

• 10:38: Emergency services received a call via hotline 199, reporting a fire at Pracharat Sai 1 Soi 23.

 

• 10:43: Firefighters arrived at the scene and found the warehouse ablaze.

 

• 10:53: Efforts to contain the fire preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings.

 

• 11:16: The building’s structure began to collapse. Rescuers evacuated three individuals from neighbouring premises to safety.

 

• 11:39: Strong winds reignited the flames, spreading the fire to nearby houses.

 

• 11:56: The secondary fires were contained.

 

• 12:35: The fires were fully extinguished.

 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation and no mayor injuries reported. Local officials have stressed the importance of fire safety, particularly during the dry season, and urged residents to avoid lighting incense or candles in unsafe areas.

 

-- 2025-01-19