Fire on Thalang power pole controlled after sparking fears for parked cars

A fire on a power pole on Srisoonthorn Road in Thalang raised concerns for vehicles parked below before officials brought the blaze under control on Tuesday night.

Traffic police from Thalang Police Station received a report of the fire at 8:20pm at the first main curve on Srisoonthorn Rd near Robinson Lifestyle Thalang mall, just west of the Heroines Monument.

Police coordinated with officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority and the Srisoonthorn Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department to investigate.

At the scene, officials found flames heavily burning power lines and cables attached to the pole. Several vehicles belonging to local residents were parked directly below the lines, prompting fears that the fire could spread and damage the cars. Motorists and pedestrians passing through the area were also alarmed.

Officials used chemical fire extinguishers to contain the blaze and brought the situation under control within about 20 minutes.

Initial investigations indicate the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, with continuous rainfall believed to have triggered sparks in the power lines and cables.