Nonthaburi: A fire erupted at the Porsilp 889 furniture factory in Nonthaburi, resulting in damages exceeding 50 million baht. The factory owner expressed relief that no one was present during the incident, underscoring the priority of human lives over business assets.
According to Thai News Agency, the fire was battled by firefighters from the Nong Phra Ngai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, along with more than ten water trucks from nearby areas. They worked tirelessly for over five hours to contain the blaze that engulfed the nearly 2-rai, three-story factory located near Wat Seniwong in Sai Noi District. The equipment inside the factory, being highly flammable, required constant water spraying. During the operation, three explosions occurred but fortunately resulted in no injuries or fatalities. The initial damage assessment suggests losses exceeding 50 million baht.
Mr. Kanin Tangmanphonsin, the 55-year-old owner of the factory, stated that the cause of the fire remains unknown. Upon arriving at the factory at 4 am, he witnessed the flames engulfing the premises. He reiterated the importance of preserving lives over material assets, noting that the factory typically operates from 8 am to 5 pm, employing 23 workers. The staff were left distraught, unsure of their next steps, as they realized the need to rebuild from scratch. The machinery alone incurred damages over 10 million baht. Despite having established the factory seven years ago, and regularly practicing fire safety drills, a fire extinguisher had not yet been purchased for the newly built facility. The factory specialized in producing wrapping wood with hot glue, such as PU, moldings, and frames. The fire devastated all items, including those meant for a customer who arrived that morning to collect their order.
Mr. Pongpol Phutanyong Nuea, a responder from Ruamkatanyu, reported being notified of the fire around 4:00 am. Upon arrival, he encountered intense flames and heard multiple explosions as the roof collapsed. The presence of wood and thinner inside the factory further fueled the fire. Forensic officers are expected to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the fire's cause.