Fire razes Mae Hong Son refugee camp

Fire razes Mae Hong Son refugee camp

A man stands in front of the Ban Mai Nai Soi refugee camp in Mae Hong Son's Muang district, which was reduced to ashes by fire Tuesday. (Photo by Damnurn Thuamjok)
A man stands in front of the Ban Mai Nai Soi refugee camp in Mae Hong Son's Muang district, which was reduced to ashes by fire Tuesday. (Photo by Damnurn Thuamjok)

Fire swept through a refugee camp in Mae Hong Son province shortly before noon, leaving more than 3,000 refuge seekers homeless again.

Some 250 living quarters at the Ban Mai Nai Soi camp in Muang district of the northern province were reduced to ash. There were no reports of casualties, said district chief Sarawut Thaichaoren, who was alerted around 11.30am Tuesday.

Fire trucks and firemen from the Pang Mu tambon administration organization, Muang municipality, and an infantry task force were sent to the scene. The blaze was controlled by 1pm.

Pol Maj Gen Jaruek Limsuwan, commander of Mae Hong Son police, said the official cause of the fire has yet to be determined. However, Mr Sarawut said the fire started in the living quarters of a woman identified as Pamae who was boiling water.

Flames spread quickly, fanned by strong wind. The fire sent out thousands of refugees fleeting for their safety.

So far, there have been no reports of deaths or injuries, said the Muang district chief.

About 3,500 refugees living in 250 living quarters were left homeless. Authorities have turned Nai Soi School and a local temple into a temporary shelters for the refugees who ended up in the camp due to flooding.

Non-government organisations on Tuesday sent drinking water and basic necessities to alleviate the refugees' hardship, he said.

Mae Hong Son governor Surapol Panas-amphon toured the camp scene at around 1.30pm, said a source.

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