Dramatic Fire Breaks Out at Shop, Officials Suspect Electrical Candle Short Circuit

On February 16, 2024, municipal public safety officials were alerted to a fire at a shop in Muang Chainat district, located across from Phasee Sung Market. Dense smoke billowed from the center of a row of shophouses. Firefighters with 3 fire trucks and volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation rapidly responded, extinguishing the flames within 20 minutes before they could spread to adjacent units. Initial investigations revealed damage to wooden walls and heat-shattered glass, though a nearby fish tank survived with its 8 goldfish and sucker fish unharmed. The fire's origin was traced to a home shrine ('Tee Ju Eya') with heavy burn marks, likely caused by an electrical candle left unattended during Chinese New Year celebrations. The shop owner and staff were out eating at the time. Nearby fruit vendors reported hearing shouts and seeing smoke before alerting authorities. Firefighters warned the public to regularly check electrical equipment, especially during festival periods, to prevent potential short circuits that could cause massive property damage.