Residents were evacuated from the area near chemical warehouses in Rayong's Ban Khai district after a fire broke out and explosions were heard on Monday.

The fire and explosions reportedly started at an industrial waste warehouse belonging to Win Process Co at 9am.

Sixteen fire engines, eight ambulances and about 50 rescue workers went to the scene and fire-fighting foam was sourced from suppliers in Rayong, Chon Buri and Bangkok.

Firefighters found it difficult to get close to the compound of the waste recycling company due to continuous explosions, intense flames and the changing directions of winds.

One warehouse collapsed as flames were expanding to another warehouse, rubber plantations and houses.

There were reports that the company stored many kinds of chemicals and used oil there.

Local residents were moved to nearby Wat Nong Phawa as strong chemical smells were spreading from the fire. No casualties were reported.

Pollution control officials found air quality remained safe in the area, although the smell of chemicals was evident for about four kilometres to the north of the company.

The Pollution Control Department said that Win Process stored industrial waste and hazardous chemicals and the fire started at Building 5, a large warehouse that stored solid waste, used oil and solvent.

Officials said that the company’s licence had been revoked pending prosecution.