Sawmill Fire Engulfs Chinese-Owned Warehouse in Kien Svay District, Cambodia

A large fire broke out at a sawmill warehouse in Kien Svay District, Kandal Province, Cambodia, on September 8th at approximately 10:10 AM. The fire occurred at a warehouse belonging to the Chinese-owned company 'Tong Ruy Chi Tuan'. Local authorities reported that the Kien Svay District intervention forces, in cooperation with forces from the Chuetial, Kompong Svay, and Dei It communes, deployed seven fire trucks to combat the blaze. The warehouse, measuring 30 meters wide and 100 meters long, was completely destroyed. Regarding the cause of the fire, Mr. Sak Sarath (41 years old), a metal welder who was working at the warehouse, stated that he and another individual, Mr. Thlang Sopheap (41 years old), were instructed by three Chinese employees of the company to cut a steel water tank adjacent to the sawmill's wood debris storage warehouse. While cutting with a gas welding machine, sparks reportedly ignited the zinc-plated wall of the warehouse. After the gas cylinder ran out of gas, he stopped cutting, and shortly thereafter, flames erupted from the warehouse. No casualties have been reported in connection with this incident. This fire highlights the importance of safety management systems during industrial activities in Cambodia. The risk of fires at factories and warehouses, particularly those funded by foreign investment, can have implications for local communities and economic activities. Source: Koh Santepheap Khmer