Firefighter Shares His Mask to Rescue Woman & Dog From Blaze

Pictures courtesy of Matichon 

A fire broke out at the Assawarachan building in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya on 28 December, prompting an emergency response that led to the dramatic rescue of an elderly woman and her dog from dense smoke. Firefighters battled heavy fumes inside the building and confirmed that one person was trapped, raising immediate concerns for life safety. The woman was rescued alive but suffered smoke inhalation and was rushed to hospital.

The incident occurred at about 14:00 on 28 December, when the emergency centre received reports of a fire at the Assawarachan building, located before Wat Pa Kho in Ban Ko Subdistrict, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya district. More than 10 fire engines were dispatched to control the blaze due to fears that occupants were trapped inside. Fire crews worked under hazardous conditions as smoke filled the structure.

Officials identified the trapped person as Pa Chaleo, who was found inside the building clutching her dog. A firefighting team initially used an aerial platform to try to reach her location, but she had to be rescued by a breathing apparatus team. She was suffering from smoke inhalation when found.

Naphat Chaitit, a firefighter from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Municipality, said Pa Chaleo was close to losing consciousness when he found her lying amid thick smoke. He decided to remove his own compressed air supply and give it to her so she could breathe. After she regained breathing, firefighters evacuated her from the building.

Pa Chaleo was later transferred to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital for further treatment. Her dog, which she had been holding tightly, was also rescued alive. Firefighters reported that three cats were also inside the building and were successfully brought out, though all were unconscious and were given first aid at the scene.

The cats were taken by the owner to a veterinary hospital for urgent treatment. Fire officials confirmed that all people and animals trapped in the building were accounted for following the rescue operation. The fire was eventually brought under control by responding crews. Matichon reported that authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire. The extent of property damage has not yet been assessed and no official estimate has been released.

Key Takeaways

• Firefighters rescued an elderly woman and her dog from a burning building in Ayutthaya on 28 December.

• A firefighter gave his personal air supply to the woman after finding her close to unconsciousness.

• The cause of the fire and the value of damages remain under investigation.

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 Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-12-30