A BIG fire at a waste treatment plant in Rayong that raged for nine hours was contained to a limited area by around 8 p.m. last night (Dec. 2) with firefighters continuing to fight the blaze, Amarin TV said.
The fire broke out at a warehouse belonging to Chang Steel Recycling Co., Ltd. at Maenam Khu subdistrict, Pluak Daeng district, of this eastern coastal province at around 11.30 a.m. but fortunately there were no casualties.
The Rayong Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office, under the direction of Rayong Governor Traiphop Wongtrairat, revealed that the factory encompasses approximately 10 rai of land and the blaze had spread across two rai.
Eight fire trucks and a backhoe were deployed to extinguish the fire, which had been raging for around nine hours, with the Public Health Department deploying vehicles to warn residents in the area surrounding the factory to close their windows, wear face masks, and remain indoors until the situation improves.
While the fire has now been contained firemen will likely continue spraying water and look out to prevent further flare-ups.
Mr. Sakon Korakot, Pluak Daeng district chief, said this factory buys and recycles highly flammable materials such as paper and plastic. Pluak Daeng rescue workers were using drones to detect heat and assess the situation, allowing firefighters to work more efficiently.
Residents living very close to the factory were ordered to evacuate the area while the provincial industry office had been asked to monitor dust and other pollution levels.
He also urged the public to be careful during the cool season as it is dry and the sun strong which could spark a fire.
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Firefighters battling the blaze at a Rayong waste treatment plant. Photos – Amarin TV
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