A fire on the morning of July 5 in Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh, damaged 21 homes along the Tonle Sap riverbank: 20 were completely destroyed and one seriously damaged. After about two hours of firefighting, the blaze was extinguished at 1:30 p.m. No deaths or injuries were reported.
The fire reportedly began at around 11:30 a.m. in Svay Pak village, Svay Pak commune, Russey Keo district, along National Road 5 by the Tonle Sap River. It started in a wooden house and quickly spread to neighbouring homes because many were wooden structures with zinc-sheet roofs, or masonry ground floors with timber upper floors, and stood close together.
After receiving the alarm, the Phnom Penh and Russey Keo district administrations mobilized fire and rescue teams. Fire engines from the Phnom Penh police fire and rescue department, other units and businesses took part. The district governor also led fire engines and a firefighting boat into the response.
After about two hours of intensive firefighting, the fire was fully brought under control and extinguished at 1:30 p.m., preventing further spread.
According to the fire department, 21 homes belonging to 21 families were damaged: 20 were completely destroyed and one seriously damaged. No deaths or injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire and the value of the property losses were still being investigated and assessed. The relevant authorities had launched an inquiry into the cause.
