Chinese New Year electric candle linked to shop fire

2026-02-16 - 09:26

CHAINAT — 16 February 2026, A fire broke out at a leasing shop in central Thailand on 16 February 2026, with authorities suspecting an electrical short circuit in a shrine candle left burning during Chinese New Year observances. The blaze was reported at 12:40 at Saeng Arun Leasing on Phrom Prasert Road in the Muang district of Chainat province. The shophouse is located opposite Phasi Sung fresh market. Firefighters from the Chainat Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office arrived with three fire engines, joined by volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the middle of the building as crews rushed to douse the flames in an office room. The fire was brought under control within about 20 minutes, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring units. Preliminary inspections found damage to a wooden wall and shattered office glass caused by the heat. Authorities said a large aquarium near the source of the fire was cracked but did not shatter, allowing eight fish, goldfish and sucker fish, to survive. Investigators said the fire appeared to have started at a household shrine known locally as a “Tee Joo Eia”, where burn marks were concentrated before the flames spread to the wooden wall and office glass. A household shrine known locally as a “Tee Joo Eia” where the fire appeared to started before spreading. Officials said 16 February marked a day of worship during the Chinese New Year festival. Shop staff had reportedly placed an electric candle at the shrine and left it switched on while they went out for lunch. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit may have produced sparks that ignited the fire while the premises were unoccupied. A fruit vendor nearby said she heard people across the street shouting about the fire and saw heavy smoke before alerting emergency services. Fire officials urged the public, particularly during festival periods involving incense, candles or decorative electrical devices at shrines, to regularly inspect wiring and equipment. Damaged or ageing electrical items should be replaced immediately to reduce the risk of short circuits, a leading cause of fires that can result in significant loss of life and property.