Picture courtesy of Daily News

 

A large fire broke out at a plastic recycling factory in Maptaphut Subdistrict, Mueang Rayong District, Rayong Province, on the morning of 13 September 2025, burning for over three hours and producing thick black smoke with a strong, widespread smell. Firefighters deployed multiple fire engines to control the blaze, which completely destroyed the factory, though fortunately no injuries were reported. Residents nearby heard several loud explosions as the fire intensified.

 

The fire started inside a warehouse operated by a company handling plastic scraps in the Mab Chalood-Chak Klang community. Workers reported flames beginning around 06:30 and attempted to extinguish the fire themselves, but the blaze spread rapidly. The Maptaphut City Municipality received reports and dispatched fire crews to the scene.

 

Officials, including Mr. Pasakorn Bunyalak, Governor of Rayong Province, directed immediate inspections and relief efforts. The District Chief of Mueang Rayong, the Head of the Rayong Provincial Public Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, and the Deputy Mayor of Maptaphut City Municipality were involved in coordinating the response. Authorities are monitoring the impact on local residents, particularly regarding the smoke and smell from burning plastics.

 

Environmental agencies, including the Rayong Provincial Pollution Control Center and the Maptaphut Industrial Estate Authority, have been checking air quality within a five-kilometre radius. Preliminary tests indicate air quality remains within normal limits despite the widespread smell. The cause of the fire is under investigation by forensic officials, with initial assessments suggesting an electrical short circuit. Estimated damages amount to millions of baht.

 

Authorities plan to continue monitoring the site for flare ups, safety risks and environmental hazards. The full investigation will determine the exact cause and assess whether additional safety measures are required for other industrial facilities in the area.

 

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A fire destroyed a plastic recycling factory in Rayong on 13 September 2025.

• No injuries were reported as the workers were able to evacuate after failed attempt to extinguish the fire.

• Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit and continue to investigate.

 

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  Adapted by Asean Now from Dailynews 2025-09-14

 

 

 

Not a big building but it sure produced an awful lot of smoke!!