Fire Extinguished at Rice Bran Factory in Nakhon Pathom as Workers Scramble to Save Stock

Picture courtesy of Kaoded

A fire occurred in a rice bran factory in Nakhon Pathom’s Don Tum District on 10 July, prompting a dramatic emergency response from local firefighters and more than 50 factory workers who raced to remove over 50 tonnes of rice bran to safety.

The fire broke out at Porncharoendee Factory, located on a 20-rai plot in Lam Hae subdistrict, reportedly sparked by metal friction inside the facility’s milling equipment. The heat is believed to have caused a spark, which fell onto a tarpaulin near the rice bran chute, igniting the flammable bran below.

Over 10 fire trucks from the Sam Ngam Municipality, Lam Hae Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, and Suksalanukroh Foundation in Nakhon Pathom responded to the scene. Due to limited visibility inside the factory and thick, choking smoke, crews installed portable water pumps and external hose-lines to contain and extinguish the blaze.

Factory owner Mr. Nopporn Laopasi, a prominent entrepreneur in the animal feed and rice bran industry, quickly mobilised two bulldozers to assist in removing burning material from inside the plant. Workers formed a human chain to help carry out rice bran sacks and machinery parts, minimising losses.

“We believe the fire was caused by metal parts rubbing together, which led to sparks falling onto the tarp. It quickly ignited,” Mr. Nopporn told reporters. “Thankfully, no one was hurt. The quick action of the workers and the rescue teams helped prevent a much worse outcome.”

Authorities estimate the damage to be over 100,000 baht. No injuries were reported. An inspection of the factory’s electrical and mechanical systems has been ordered to determine the exact cause and to prevent future incidents.

Despite the scare, the factory owner expressed confidence that production could resume shortly after safety evaluations are complete.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-07-12