PRACHIN BURI -- A fire which started on Saturday afternoon has continued to rage at a plastic materials storage factory in Si Mahosot district, according to local media reports.
Before noon, thick smoke from the factory had covered Highway 319 (Prachin Buri to Si Mahosot), causing heavy traffic congestion as vehicles were forced to move very slowly due to poor visibility.
The fire started at about 5pm yesterday from burning paddy stubble and quickly spread to the factory of Wasant SilapornTrading Company, which is located on a six-rai plot on Suwinthawong Road, or Highway 319, near Ban Nong Sakae in tambon Khok Bip of Si Mahosot district.
A large quantity of plastic materials had been piled up inside the factory compound to be recycled. Mountains of plastic rubbish went up in flames and strong winds.
The fire raged overnight. As of 11.15am on Sunday, the fire was still raging, sending billows of thick smoke all over the area.
Daensuang Wanwongson, a public health official, distributed masks to more than 100 fire fighters from various local administration organisations to cover their mouths and noses.
Five fire engines were not able to reach the factory as the only access road was covered with smoke.