The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) Phuket branch yesterday (Feb 10) relayed a nationwide warning from the DDPM headquarters, advising the public to be especially cautious when taking part in traditional activities such as cooking, burning incense and paper offerings, lighting candles and using decorative lanterns.
DDPM Director-General Theerapat Khachamat said Chinese New Year this year falls on Feb 15-17, a time when Thai-Chinese families typically worship deities and ancestors, prepare large amounts of food and decorate homes and Chinese shrines (Tee Joo Ee) with lanterns and electric lights.
“These activities involve open flames, heat sources and electrical equipment, which significantly increase the risk of fire if people are careless,” Mr Theerapat said.
Residents were urged to switch off gas stoves and close gas cylinder valves after cooking, and not to leave food warming stoves unattended. Incense and candles should be placed only in fire-resistant containers, with flames fully extinguished before leaving the house.
The DDPM also advised that paper money and gold paper should be burned only in fire-resistant containers with tight-fitting lids, placed well away from flammable materials. Households were encouraged to keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case a small fire breaks out.
Electrical appliances and decorative lighting at homes and shrines should be unplugged when not in use, while residents were urged to check wiring and electrical equipment to reduce the risk of short circuits, a major cause of residential fires.
Parents were also reminded to supervise children closely and not allow them to light firecrackers alone. Any remaining sparks or burning debris should be fully extinguished to prevent fires from spreading.
The DDPM Phuket branch said residents can report emergencies and request assistance 24 hours a day by calling the DDPM hotline on 1784 or by adding the LINE account @1784DDPM.
Authorities said the warning was aimed at preventing injuries, deaths and property damage during the festive period, and urged the public to celebrate safely.