A late-night fire has destroyed six houses and partially damaged three others in a crowded community in Dusit district, leaving one man with minor burns, officials said.
The blaze broke out at around 11pm last night in Soi Wat Pracha Rabue Tham, off the Rama V Road in Thanon Nakhon Chai Si sub-district.
Firefighters and rescue personnel from the Bang Pho station rushed to the scene to find flames rapidly spreading through tightly packed, predominantly wooden homes.
Over 30 fire trucks navigated narrow alleys to surround the blaze. Firefighters took roughly 30 minutes to bring the inferno under control before fully extinguishing it, continuing to douse the embers.
Thanapong Khamthong, assistant director of the Dusit District Office, confirmed that “Six homes were completely gutted while three suffered partial damage. A local man sustained minor burns during the incident but declined hospital treatment after receiving first aid on site.”
The Dusit District Office has established a temporary shelter at nearby Pracha Rabue Tham Temple and its school to accommodate victims from an estimated 10 to 15 households, providing basic relief until residents can return safely.
One witness recalled smelling smoke around 11pm while getting ready to go to bed. Stepping outside, he heard cries for help and saw bright flames consuming a neighbouring house.
He grabbed essential documents and a few valuables before fleeing to safety, adding that he would stay at the shelter overnight.
Police and forensic inspectors are scheduled to visit the site to gather evidence and question witnesses to determine the exact cause of the fire.
