A warehouse, storing toxic chemicals and industrial waste in the Phachi district of Ayutthaya, caught fire yesterday evening, forcing the evacuation of patients from the district hospital and people living in the vicinity of the warehouse.

Periodic explosions were heard during the blaze and a column of thick black smoke was seen rising into the sky in Village 2 of Phachi sub-district.

Phachi municipal officials advised people living in the neighbourhood of the warehouse to wear face masks and to stay outdoors and Ayutthaya’s governor has ordered the transfer about 40 in-patients from Phachi Hospital to other hospitals in the province.

Fire trucks, equipped with chemical foam, and firemen specialising in handling chemical fires were sent from Suphan Buri to help control the fire.

Dr. Opart Karnkawinpong, public health permanent secretary, said that the Ayutthaya provincial health office has set up an emergency centre to deal with patients suffering from chemical smoke inhalation or chemical fire burns, but no injuries have been reported so far.

Industrial Works Department Director-General Jullapong Thaveesri said last night that about 3,000 tonnes of chemicals, solvents and industrial waste are also stored in an adjacent warehouse, adding that the fire must be prevented from spreading to this warehouse.