SRIRACHA, THAILAND – A mid-morning fire tore through a third-floor apartment in central Sriracha on October 26, 2025, forcing a resident to seek refuge on the rooftop before being rescued by emergency crews. Authorities believe an electrical short circuit likely sparked the blaze, which erupted in a mixed-use building on 9 Kilo Road, opposite a well-known local school.
Emergency response under pressure
The Surasak Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Centre received the distress call around 10:00 AM. Within minutes, four fire trucks from the Surasak and Sriracha municipalities arrived, joined by rescue units from Sawang Prateep Sriracha Foundation and officers led by Police Sub-Lieutenant Sukanya Yupapin from the Sriracha Police Station.
Firefighters encountered fierce flames consuming the apartment on the top floor of the three-storey structure. Teams worked swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading while residents evacuated to safety below.
Desperate escape to higher ground
The apartment’s occupant, Wisit Phakdeesuwan, aged 50, was discovered stranded on the rooftop, vocalising for help as thick smoke rose around him. Fire personnel used ventilation fans to disperse the smoke before guiding him down to safety. He sustained only minor smoke inhalation and was transported to hospital after receiving first aid.
Wisit later recounted to local media that he had first noticed an unusual smell while on the rooftop. When he returned to his unit, smoke was already seeping from the door. Inside, flames had begun to spread rapidly. He attempted to fight the fire using a chemical extinguisher, but the heat and smoke forced him back. “I COULDN’T BREATHE AND HAD TO RUN UP TO THE ROOF TO CALL FOR HELP,” he said, adding that he believed a short circuit might have triggered the incident.
Swift containment and investigation
Building owner Sukkaew Chuta said the tenant had rushed downstairs to warn her before both tried in vain to fight the flames. Fire crews managed to control the blaze within 30 minutes, preventing it from engulfing neighbouring units. No additional injuries were reported.
Authorities have launched a forensic investigation to determine the precise cause of the fire. Early assessments pointed to an electrical malfunction, a common risk in dense urban zones where older wiring often powers a mix of residential and commercial uses.
Electrical safety remains a local concern
The Sriracha municipality has recently urged property owners to inspect electrical systems in older buildings, citing a rise in short-circuit incidents during peak demand periods. Safety officers typically recommend that tenants:
• Schedule regular electrical checks by certified technicians
• Avoid overloading extension cords and power strips
• Ensure extinguishers are easily accessible and up to date
While the quick action of local firefighters averted greater tragedy, the episode served as another reminder of how fragile urban safety can be when electrical systems fail.