Massive paper factory inferno in Prachinburi

Massive paper factory inferno in Prachinburi

A massive fire broke out at United Paper Public Company's kraft paper production mill in Muang district of Prachinburi province yesterday afternoon and raged for more than 16 hours before it could be kept under control Saturday morning.

According to police, the fire happened at about 2 pm Friday at the paper mill located on the Prachinburi-Ban Sarng road in Muang district.

The fire quickly ripped through more than 11,000 tons of raw materials awaiting recycling.

More than 20 firefighters from several local administration offices and the 12th Army Area were called in to help battle the inferno.

But due to the mountain of raw materials that piled up more than 10 metres high, firemen reported difficulties in keeping the inferno from spreading quickly.

The fire raged overnight with firefighters spraying water throughout the night to limit the fire area to the factory building.

By 8.00 am Saturday, firemen said they could keep the fire under control.

The papermill manager Ruangchai Kienwat, 52, said mill workers alerted him of the fire at a pile of paper awaiting recycling near a power pole.

The fire then raged quickly to the 10,000 tons of paper that piled in the factory compound covering an area of five rai.

He ordered mill workers to use all fire distinguishes to put out the fire.

However due to the huge piles of raw materials and the summer heat, they could not stop the inferno from raging.

Damages to the factory was not immediately known but more than 2,000 tons of paper were damaged.

There was no casualty.

Forensic police ate inspecting the scene to look into the cause if the huge fire.

United Paper Public Company Limited is a Thailand-based company engaged in the kraft paper business.

It produces and distributes box surface paper and kraft paper for packaging corrugated box. Its products include kraft liner boards and corrugating mediums.

The company offers products in various grades suitable for various industries, including packaging for electrical appliances, canned food, beverage and others.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/massive-paper-factory-inferno-in-prachinburi

-- Thai PBS 2015-04-18