Factory Fire at Rubber Workshop Near Community in Phitsanulok Causes Extensive Damage — No Injuries Reported

On the morning of Friday, July 10, 2026, a fire broke out at a medium-sized rubber and plastic parts factory in Mueang Phitsanulok district. The blaze severely damaged the main building and sent smoke billowing over nearby residential areas. Firefighters from Phitsanulok City Municipality, the subdistrict administrative organization, and nearby fire stations worked together to control the flames for more than five hours, finally bringing the situation under control in the afternoon.

According to on-scene reports, the factory is located about 200 meters from the main road and is surrounded by homes and shops. The owner and employees were able to evacuate the premises in time. There were no serious injuries or fatalities, but some workers suffered smoke inhalation and were taken to hospital for examination and treatment. Disaster prevention teams quickly deployed pumps and foam to prevent the fire from spreading, especially given the presence of chemicals and flammable materials inside the factory.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the relevant authorities. Phitsanulok officials said a definitive cause has not yet been determined, but preliminary hypotheses include an electrical fault or heat from machinery. A detailed investigation will examine burn patterns, the materials consumed by the fire, and witness statements. Police have cordoned off parts of the area to allow forensic teams to gather evidence and to keep people out of hazardous zones.

The impact on the surrounding community is a major concern, as black smoke and the odor of certain chemicals spread to nearby homes. The Phitsanulok governor ordered public health agencies to distribute protective masks and advise residents on precautions, such as closing doors and windows and avoiding outdoor activities. People experiencing dizziness, headaches, or respiratory symptoms were urged to seek medical attention immediately. Some nearby schools temporarily suspended classes until the area is deemed safe.

The factory owner said the company employs many local residents and that the incident has caused losses of property and community confidence. He is cooperating with investigators and will provide compensation to those affected. The provincial labor office is preparing to assess impacts on workers and arrange initial assistance, including financial support and medical care for affected employees.

After the fire was contained, officials implemented follow-up safety measures at the site, including periodic air quality monitoring and structural assessments of the building to evaluate risks. If any chemical leaks are found, authorities will contain and clean them up according to standards. The province plans to call the factory owner to explain safety and flammable materials storage plans to prevent recurrence. Local agencies also said they will meet with community members to hear requests for assistance and to explain ongoing health protection measures.

This fire serves as an important warning about industrial safety in Phitsanulok city. Although there were no fatalities, impacts on air quality, the local economy, and worker security remain. Public health and safety officials vowed to expedite the investigation, implement remedies, and increase safety inspections of industrial facilities in the area to help prevent future incidents.