Fire Fire Erupts at Popular Chachoengsao Mall Restaurant – Entire Floor Engulfed in Smoke

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

Panic erupted at a well-known shopping mall in Chachoengsao on the evening of 29 June, after a fire broke out at a Japanese barbecue restaurant on the ground floor, prompting an evacuation and a large-scale emergency response.

 

The incident occurred around 20:30 at a mall located in Na Mueang Subdistrict, Mueang District. Police Lieutenant Chalermphon Satharam from Mueang Chachoengsao Police Station received an emergency report and immediately coordinated with the municipal fire brigade, dispatching fire engines to the scene.

 

The blaze is believed to have started from a grill inside the restaurant before quickly spreading to wall partitions and ceiling structures, sending dense smoke billowing throughout the floor. The restaurant, located near a side exit of the mall, became the centre of firefighting operations.

 

Firefighters divided into two teams: one team attacked the flames directly inside the restaurant, while the other deployed powerful exhaust (PPV - positive pressure ventilation) fans to ventilate smoke from the premises. Fine water mist was sprayed to prevent the smoke from backing into the building, helping to maintain visibility and air quality.

 

Thermal imaging equipment was brought in to detect lingering heat, which revealed multiple hotspots hidden in air conditioning ducts lined with flammable insulation. Firefighters were forced to dismantle sections of the ceiling and interior walls to reach and cool these areas to prevent re-ignition.

 

Despite the scale of the fire and the intensity of the smoke, no injuries or casualties were reported. Mall staff were praised for acting swiftly to evacuate all customers and employees before emergency crews arrived.

 

Preliminary inspections estimate that around 70% of the restaurant was damaged, including partition walls, ductwork, seating, barbecue equipment, refrigeration units and other electrical appliances.

 

The firefighting effort lasted over two hours, with crews working into the night to fully extinguish the flames and secure the area. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, though it is suspected to have originated from either a malfunction or misuse of grilling equipment.

 

Authorities commended the coordinated efforts of fire crews, mall security, and emergency services, whose timely response ensured the safety of all involved.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-01