Fire at recycling factory in Phitsanulok industrial estate; firefighters mobilize, air quality affected

On the morning of 1 July 2026, a fire broke out at a recycling factory located in the Phitsanulok industrial estate. Phitsanulok municipal firefighters and the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation unit mobilized water trucks and emergency equipment to fight the blaze. It took several hours before the situation was partially brought under control.

According to preliminary reports, the fire started inside a building storing plastic scrap and old wiring—highly flammable materials that caused the blaze to spread rapidly. Thick smoke spread with the wind, affecting nearby communities. Authorities advised residents within a 2-kilometer radius to stay indoors, close doors and windows, and wear dust masks if necessary. Area hospitals prepared to receive patients with respiratory problems and people suffering from smoke allergies.

The provincial director of disaster prevention and mitigation said firefighting was difficult because the burning materials produced intense heat and some containers exploded, requiring time and specialized techniques to reach the fire. Meanwhile, the provincial environmental engineering team collected water and soil samples around the factory to check for pollution that might flow into nearby canals.

Phitsanulok provincial police said the cause of the fire could not yet be determined and that investigators and occupational safety officers would need to complete their inspections. The provincial environment office ordered parts of the site temporarily closed for safety and prohibited entry until checks are complete. Factory managers were summoned to present waste-management documents, factory permits, and fire-prevention measures.

The incident affected residents in the industrial zone and adjacent communities. Small business operators living on the estate’s edge had to scale back operations due to air-quality concerns. Some nearby schools were temporarily closed until conditions were safe. The local business association urged an urgent review of safety measures in the estate and the development of joint emergency plans between factories and communities to improve response to unexpected incidents.

Tourism was also affected: accommodation owners and restaurants in nearby areas reported cancellations and a temporary drop in customers. Business owners called on pollution-control agencies to clarify environmental impacts so residents and visitors receive accurate information and to prevent rumors. The province set up a public communication center to provide periodic updates and safety advice to the public.

Next steps: officials will inspect the factory building and electrical systems in detail and call in hazardous-waste management experts to assess risks from mixed recyclables. Short-term policy will focus on site remediation and monitoring environmental impacts. In the longer term, local authorities are considering tighter controls on recycling-factory licensing conditions to better protect communities. The incident serves as a warning for all sectors to urgently improve safety standards and management to protect the lives and environment of Phitsanulok province.