Fire Breaks Out at School, Funeral Gathering Helps Prevent Major Damage

Picture from responders.

A fire broke out at a school in Buriram, on the evening of 3 March, but swift action from villagers attending a nearby funeral prevented widespread destruction.

The blaze erupted at around 19:30 at Ban Nong Khrok School in Thung Wang subdistrict, Satuek district. The fire started in the school’s public announcement (PA) system room before spreading to the medical room, which contained audio equipment, sports gear, and student dance costumes.

Mr Nit Yonram, 52, an assistant village headman, was among the over 100 people attending a funeral next to the school when the fire broke out. Spotting the flames, villagers, teachers, and local police officers at the ceremony rushed to contain the fire while others called for fire engines. Their quick intervention ensured the blaze was brought under control before it could engulf the entire building.

Mr Nit said: “If no one had been around at that moment, the fire could have destroyed the entire building.”

Mr Saritphon, the school director, confirmed that the fire originated in the PA system room before spreading. The damage is estimated to be around 100,000 baht.

Several teachers who had been attending the funeral reported smelling something burning beforehand but initially dismissed it as rubbish being burned nearby. They only realised the seriousness of the situation when they saw smoke rising from the school building.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire to determine whether it was accidental or due to negligence.

-- 2025-03-05