A cargo vessel docked at the Gawain Port in Mandalay Region caught fire yesterday afternoon due to a welding operation that ignited oil fumes in the cargo hold, which contained diesel barrels.

The Myanmar Fire Services Department reported that the fire occurred on a Bhamo-Mandalay vessel docked between 37th and 38th Streets on Strand Road in Maha Aungmyae Township, Mandalay Region. 

The fire started around 1:20 PM on October 14 when welding sparks came into contact with oil fumes from the diesel barrels stored in the ship's hold.

A total of 18 fire engines, five water bowsers, three administrative vehicles, 30 firefighters, and 70 auxiliary firefighters were deployed to extinguish the blaze. The fire was brought under control by 3:00 PM.

The fire destroyed 300 bags of cement, 100 bags of charcoal, 100 diesel barrels, and parts of the vessel’s structure. 

The estimated damage is valued at over 100 million kyats. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident.