Fire at seafood processing plant near Hua Hin forces workers to evacuate; governor inspects site

This morning (22 Aug 2016) a fire broke out at a medium-sized seafood processing plant in Hua Hin district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province, forcing more than 150 workers to evacuate the area urgently. Local firefighters, the Hua Hin municipal fire station and volunteer forces brought the blaze under control within a few hours, but thick smoke and the smell of burning spread into nearby communities. Officials said there were no fatalities, but some people suffered minor injuries from smoke inhalation and from handling goods during evacuation.

The fire was reported at about 05:40 while workers were starting the morning shift. Authorities said the blaze began in the packaging zone at the rear of the building, where there were machines and large amounts of plastic packaging. The fire spread rapidly because of combustible raw materials and packaging. Rescue teams had to deploy several water tankers and coordinate with tankers from neighboring districts to douse the flames.

The provincial disaster prevention and mitigation director visited the scene with the Hua Hin district chief, and the provincial governor arrived later in the morning to inspect the situation, assess damage and evaluate site safety. Rescuers said by midday the fire was about 80% under control, but smoke remained in and around the factory and surrounding communities, raising concerns about health impacts for residents, especially the elderly and children.

The plant operator told reporters the factory employed about 220 people, most of them local workers who were helped to evacuate before the situation became critical. The company deployed an emergency medical team and Hua Hin hospital ambulances to treat those who inhaled smoke. Some received bronchodilator medication and minor treatment at the scene. The provincial labor office is preparing to survey working conditions and worker welfare after the fire.

The impact on the community and local businesses is becoming apparent, particularly among vendors who depend on the plant’s supply chain and must stop receiving goods. The smoke and soot have forced some nearby shops and resorts to temporarily close rooms to reduce effects on tourists. Hua Hin tourism authorities said they are coordinating with the factory and public health agencies to provide guidance to tourists and local businesses.

Hua Hin police, together with the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation office, have formed an investigative committee to determine the cause of the fire. Officials have not ruled out any possibilities, including machinery malfunction, electrical faults, and improper storage of flammable materials. They will review CCTV footage and interview eyewitnesses to reach a conclusion soon. The provincial governor pledged to expedite relief for affected people and support business recovery within the law and safety regulations to prevent recurrence.

As the investigation continues, some residents living near the factory have called for stricter inspections and warning systems to prevent industrial accidents, noting that Hua Hin’s economy mixes tourism with small-scale industry. Fire safety control has become an issue of concern for both citizens and visitors in the area.