Phnom Penh Fire: Online Sales Distraction Leads to House Fire

A house fire occurred in Phnom Penh on the afternoon of July 22, 2026. The incident took place in Chamkar Ou Lek 1 Village, Kakab 1 Sangkat, Por Sen Chey District. The house, a concrete structure measuring 4 meters by 7 meters, belonged to Mr. Phon Rithy, a 27-year-old company employee. According to reports, Rithy had prepared fruits for his Buddhist altar and lit an incense stick. He then descended to the lower floor to focus on preparing items for online sales. While engrossed in his work, the incense stick's flame apparently ignited materials in the upstairs room, leading to the fire spreading rapidly throughout the house, producing thick smoke. Neighbors quickly responded with fire extinguishers in an attempt to douse the flames, but their efforts were insufficient. A fire truck from the Phnom Penh Municipal Police Department's Firefighting and Rescue Office was dispatched. After extensive water application, the fire was finally brought under control. The fire resulted in damage to the house and a portion of the household belongings. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer