A fire broke out at the Phuket Municipality landfill, sending thick black smoke billowing. Authorities have warned residents to wear masks to protect against the effects of dust and smoke odors from the fire.
At 15:10 on 11 Apr 2026, the Phuket Municipality Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Center received reports from residents about a fire at the landfill pit inside the Phuket Municipality waste incinerator area. The information was passed on to Mayor Supachok Laongphet and relevant parties. Chalermpong Saengdee, Phuket MP for District 2 from the People’s Party, went to inspect the site and speak with nearby residents.
The fire occurred in a landfill area where waste collected from across Phuket Island by municipal, subdistrict administrative organizations, and villages was piled awaiting burial and incineration within the expansive site. Thick black smoke was seen rising higher than a five-story building, visible from a distance. However, fire trucks could not access the burning waste due to surrounding garbage. Initially, the foul odor from burning waste and sewage posed health risks to officials and nearby residents. The fire reportedly affected landfill pits 4 and 5, where firefighting efforts were underway.
Chalermpong Saengdee, Phuket MP for District 2 from the People’s Party, said that excavators are being used to clear the piled waste, allowing fire trucks to reach and suppress the fire. Fortunately, the wind is blowing the smoke and odors out to sea, preventing them from affecting Phuket town or nearby villages. It is estimated that the fire will take 2 to 3 hours to bring under control.
Phuket Municipality has urged residents living nearby and those passing through the Saphan Hin landfill area to wear masks to prevent health impacts from dust and smoke odors, especially during strong winds. They have also advised closely monitoring announcements from official agencies.