A Cha-am fire burned more than 200 rai of reed beds and came close to nearby homes on Wednesday evening as crews battled for more than three hours to bring it under control.
The fire started beside the railway near Saeng Sawang Cha-am Church before spreading rapidly through a large area of reeds in strong winds.
Thick black smoke rose above the town and could be seen from several kilometres away. Ash carried by the wind fell on nearby homes and swimming pools.
As the fire moved closer to properties behind Chok Boonmee Village, some residents used garden hoses to wet the area around their homes and try to stop the flames from spreading further.
One resident said the fire was initially some distance from the community during the late afternoon but moved closer as darkness fell. Residents contacted the authorities after their attempts to contain it were unsuccessful.
Cha-am fire brought under control after three hours
Five fire engines from Cha-am Municipality and Na Yang Subdistrict Municipality were sent to the scene. Crews sprayed water along the fire line to prevent the flames from reaching the surrounding community.
Cha-am Mayor Nukul Pornsomboonsiri and Deputy Mayor Sanit Khongcharoen also attended to oversee the response.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control after more than three hours. Initial estimates indicated that more than 200 rai, equivalent to about 32 hectares, of reed beds had been damaged.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
The mayor said municipal officials would check who owns the affected land and ask the owners to clear reeds and weeds that could provide fuel for future fires.
The municipality may consider legal action if landowners fail to clear the area, he said. The measure is intended to reduce the risk of another fire threatening nearby homes.
