Massive Fire Engulfs Cold Storage Warehouse in Bang Phli

Pictures from responders.

A massive fire broke out on the afternoon of 6 March at a cold storage warehouse in Bang Phli, Samut Prakan, sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting urgent warnings over a suspected ammonia leak.

The incident occurred at Bangkok Cold Storage Service Co., Ltd., located on Bang Na-Trat Road in the Bang Chalong subdistrict. Firefighters and emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving reports at approximately 15:50 that flames had engulfed the upper floors of the three-storey warehouse.

Nearby residents were advised to remain indoors and avoid exposure to the fumes. Reports indicated that thick smoke was drifting towards Soi Prem, raising concerns over air quality and potential health risks.

Efforts to contain the blaze have been complicated by the structure of the warehouse, which consists of cold storage units filled with frozen food products. Firefighters have struggled to access the interior due to the facility’s enclosed design, with collapsed storage racks further obstructing their efforts.

More than 30 fire engines and nearly 200 personnel were deployed in an attempt to bring the situation under control. Specialist teams used drones equipped with thermal imaging to assess the intensity of the fire and guide operations. Water jets from aerial ladders, were deployed to douse the flames, while emergency crews worked to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring buildings.

Thermal imaging from drone.
 

Despite reports of an ammonia leak, a senior company official, identified as Khun Nok, insisted that no such gas was stored at the affected site. The executive claimed that other gases are used, which does not pose a respiratory hazard, were in use at the facility. However, conflicting reports from emergency teams suggested that ammonia was indeed present within the warehouse’s refrigeration systems.

No casualties have been reported so far, and an official investigation into the cause of the fire will commence once the site is deemed safe. In the meantime, the company has assured affected residents that compensation will be provided for any damages caused by the smoke and fumes.

As of midnight, the fire had been significantly reduced, but it remained unextinguished, with firefighters continuing efforts to bring the situation fully under control. Authorities have yet to confirm when their believe the blaze will be completely suppressed.

-- 2025-03-07