Fire Massive Blaze Engulfs Rubber Factory in Buriram — Smoke Visible Over 10 Km

[Georgealbert]

 

Pictures courtesy of Amarin.

 

A major fire broke out overnight at a rubber processing factory in Buriram province, burning intensely and sending thick plumes of smoke more than 10 kilometres across the surrounding area. Despite the efforts of over 20 fire engines, the blaze remained largely uncontrolled throughout the night.

 

The fire erupted at approximately 01:30 on 20 July, at the North East Rubber Public Company Limited, located at 398 Moo 4, Kok Ma Subdistrict, Prakhon Chai District. The factory, which produces and stores large quantities of rubber sheets for export, presented significant challenges to firefighting crews due to the flammable nature of the materials inside.

 

Fire crews from multiple districts were called in to battle the inferno, which quickly consumed a warehouse storing rubber blocks. Although the flames could not be extinguished, emergency responders managed to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby fuel storage tanks and adjacent buildings.

 

By morning, dense black smoke was still billowing into the sky, visible from over 10 kilometres away. Continuous water spraying operations were ongoing, with firefighters struggling to bring the situation under control.

 

 

Mr. Jamroen Waenpetch, Deputy Governor of Buriram Province, visited the scene and confirmed that the fire was located in a storage facility containing highly flammable rubber blocks, which made firefighting particularly difficult. “We’ve been informed that, fortunately, the smoke is not chemical in nature and is unlikely to pose serious health risks,” he said. “Nonetheless, residents in areas affected by the smoke have been advised to wear face masks as a precaution.”

 

The fire continued to burn throughout the day, as fire crews continued to damp down hot spots, no injuries were reported and damage estimates have not yet been determined. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the blaze.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Amarin 2025-07-21