Massive Fire Breaks Out at Eucalyptus Lumber Yard; Firefighters Battle Two-Hour Blaze, Suspected Sky Lantern Blamed
A two-hour fire consumed a eucalyptus lumber yard in Ubon Ratchathani on May 3, with authorities suspecting a sky lantern from a rain-requesting ritual sparked the blaze near Detchudom.
At 2:50 p.m. on May 3, 2025, authorities at Detchudom Police Station in Ubon Ratchathani Province responded to a fire at an eucalyptus lumber yard in Moo 2, Tambon Klang, Detchudom District. The flames were rapidly spreading across piles of stored wood, prompting emergency services to mobilize five fire trucks and the Suang Boochadham rescue team to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a massive pile of eucalyptus wood scraps engulfed in flames. Firefighters and rescue personnel worked together to contain the blaze, requiring nearly two hours of continuous water spraying to control the fire and extinguish the burning embers to prevent reignition.
Local residents suspect the fire may have been caused by burning debris from a traditional sky lantern launched from approximately 2 kilometers away as part of a rain-requesting ritual, especially since lantern fragments were discovered near the fire site during extinguishing efforts. Extreme heat is also considered a possible cause. Authorities are conducting a formal investigation to determine the exact cause.
Initial damage assessment is ongoing, as the eucalyptus wood was destined for export to foreign markets.
