--- title: Thermal Mapping Drones Support Firefighting Response to Chemical Factory Fire in Thailand description: How an urban drone firefighting team helped emergency services tackle an enormous fire at a Thai chemical factory. image: https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hubfs/Blog%20featured%20images/Featured%20Image%20-%20Thailand%20Factory%20Fire.png --- [![DJI Enterprise](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hubfs/img/logo.svg "DJI Enterprise")](https://enterprise.dji.com/) [![Contact Us](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5569287/d4b2d0a1-8dc6-4ce9-aced-aff4647e25a9.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5569287/d4b2d0a1-8dc6-4ce9-aced-aff4647e25a9) # Thermal Mapping Drones Support Firefighting Response to Chemical Factory Fire in Thailand ## How drone operators Systronics supported urban firefighting efforts to tackle a chemical factory fire outside Bangkok By ![DJI Enterprise](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DJI%20Ent%20headshot.png?width=12&name=DJI%20Ent%20headshot.png) [ DJI Enterprise](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/author/dji-enterprise) **February 14, 2022** On July 5th, 2021, at approximately 2:50 am, an explosion at Ming Dih Chemical factory rocked the small Thai district of Racha Thewa, less than 20 km from Bangkok. So intense was the explosion it blew out the windows and doors of nearby homes and was loud enough to be heard some 5 km away.  What followed was an enormous fire that engulfed the factory as well causing extensive damage to buildings and houses within a 1 km radius. While firefighters fought bravely to douse the site with water and foam, flames continually broke out as the estimated 50 tons of industrial chemicals housed at the site caught light.  ![Thailand Factory Fire](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire.jpg?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire.jpg)D.R.A.T responders arriving on scene Amid concerns over chemical contamination and the danger of further explosions, the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department immediately ordered the urgent evacuation of all people within a five-kilometer radius. In the end, the resulting blaze was so intense it took more than a day for emergency services to bring it under control, tragically claiming the life of a [19-year-old firefighter](https://www.bangkokpost.com/business/2145747/ministry-tells-ming-dih-co-to-relocate) in the process as well as leaving more than 60 people injured.  ### Emergency services call for drone support  As the situation worsened, city police and firefighters called in support from D.R.A.T (the Disaster Response Association Thailand) and their specialist drone team led by [Systronics](https://www.systronics.co.th/).   ![Thailand Factory Fire D.R.A.T](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20D.R.A.T.jpg?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20D.R.A.T.jpg) During the live fire, Systronics operators flew their DJI M300 + H20T over the factory to give immediate awareness of the entire factory and feed invaluable information back to the firefighters on the ground.  ![Thailand Factory Fire 2](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%202.jpg?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%202.jpg)Drone teams providing aerial insights on the developing fire With the thermal sensor of the H20T the team were able to see though the thick billowing smoke to quickly identify areas at risk from the spreading flames as well as detect and direct firefighting efforts to any dangerous hotspots.  ![Thailand Factory Fire H20T](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20H20T.gif?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20H20T.gif)The pilot's remote control screen is projected to the incident commander's external monitor ### Post-fire analysis and forensics After the fire, the Systronics team also played a key role in essential analysis of the site and evidence collection. Changing the payload to the P1 – a high resolution mapping sensor – and the L1, which is capable of capturing high-density point clouds.  ![Thailand Factory Fire 1](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%201.jpg?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%201.jpg)The aftermath of the fire Together this enabled the team to build a sophisticated 3D model of the factory using DJI’s Terra software to aid detailed forensics. Partly as a result of the evidence collected, Thailand’s Industry Minister, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, ordered Ming Dih Chemicals to close down its factory and relocate its operation to an industrial estate if it wants to continue operating.  ![Thailand Factory Fire Terra](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20Terra.gif?width=840&name=Thailand%20Factory%20Fire%20Terra.gif)Mapping data collected by the M300 + P1 is processed in DJI Terra   ### A history of drone firefighting This is not the first-time [thermal drones have been extremely effective](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/blog/thermal-drones-roundup?hsLang=en) in supporting urban firefighting efforts to combat chemical fires. Back in 2019, drones were similarly used to help rapidly extinguish a chemical fire that broke out in an [industrial plant in Arkansas, USA](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drones-benefit-bentonville-fire-department?hsLang=en).  ![Bentonville Fire](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/Bentonville%20Fire.jpg?width=840&name=Bentonville%20Fire.jpg)Fires jeopardize a 6,500-gallon tank of highly flammable difluoroethane in Bentonville, Arkansas As in the Thai fire, firefighters on the scene called in the support DJI thermal drones to quickly gauge the situation and provide a 360-degree thermal reading of the blaze. In the same year, drones were also on hand at the tragic fire that engulfed Paris’s treasured Notre Dame. Again, DJI Mavic Pro and Matrice M210 drones were used to track the progression of the fire and report back to firefighting teams to help them find the most effective positions to aim hoses and tackle the blaze.  ### Conclusion Drone technology has quickly become an essential firefighting tool both during and after emergencies. Chemical fires are some of the worse threats firefighters over the world are called to deal with. Not only are industrial chemicals often highly flammable, they can also be highly toxic threatening emergency personnel and nearby residents with further dangers if not extinguished quickly. What’s more, chemical factory compounds often house multiple stores of different hazardous materials placing even greater urgency on crews to bring flames under control as rapidly as possible.  ![DRAT Team with M300s](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Thailand%20Factory%20Fire/DRAT%20Team%20with%20M300s.jpg?width=840&name=DRAT%20Team%20with%20M300s.jpg)The D.R.A.T pilots and their three M300s, from left to right with an H20T, a P1, and an L1 By giving firefighting teams real-time detailed knowledge of a chemical fire, thermal imaging drones are able to provide crucial support, helping to quickly map the area and identify key hotspots that firefighters need to address. Importantly, they also contribute to essential post-emergency analysis and forensics. This means that the causes of chemical fires can be more easily assessed, helping authorities to not only improve safety measures that reduce the potential for future blazes but also to ensure those responsible are held to account.  Share on Social Media: [** ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [** ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Thermal+Mapping+Drones+Support+Firefighting+Response+to+Chemical+Factory+Fire+in+Thailand) [** ](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&media=) [** ](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) Tags: [Public Safety](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/tag/public-safety) [![DJI Thermal Guidebook Desktop CTA](https://hubspot-no-cache-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/5569287/1193c0c3-2b2f-4882-9010-e1f1ff9c8509.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-na2-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/5569287/1193c0c3-2b2f-4882-9010-e1f1ff9c8509) ### To stay in touch and receive ebooks, resources, and product updates, subscribe to our newsletter. ![DJI Enterprise](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/DJI%20Ent%20headshot.png?width=12&name=DJI%20Ent%20headshot.png) About the Author [ DJI Enterprise](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/author/dji-enterprise) ### Related articles ![A City That Anticipates: How Celaya Is Transforming Public Safety with Automated DJI Drones](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png?width=12&name=Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png) **A City That Anticipates: How Celaya Is Transforming Public Safety with Automated DJI Drones** in Public Safety #DronesHelp Dock as first responder ![Beyond the Flames: How Ventura County Firefighters Are Transforming Wildfire Response with DJI Drones](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(7).png?width=12&name=HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(7).png) **Beyond the Flames: How Ventura County Firefighters Are Transforming Wildfire Response with DJI Drones** in Public Safety #DronesHelp ![Asheville’s Blueprint: How Drones Redefined Disaster Response During Hurricane Helene](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(5)-1.png?width=12&name=HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(5)-1.png) **Asheville’s Blueprint: How Drones Redefined Disaster Response During Hurricane Helene** in Public Safety #DronesHelp ## Recent Posts ![](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png?width=300&name=Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png) Public Safety | #DronesHelp | Dock as first responder ### **A City That Anticipates: How Celaya Is Transforming Public Safety with Automated DJI Drones** Read More ![](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png?width=300&name=Insight%20blog%20featured%20image%201140X660%20(3)-2.png) AEC & Surveying | #DronesHelp ### **Beneath the Canopy: How Archaeologists Are Rewriting Maya History with DJI Drones** Read More ![](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(7).png?width=300&name=HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(7).png) Public Safety | #DronesHelp ### **Beyond the Flames: How Ventura County Firefighters Are Transforming Wildfire Response with DJI Drones** Read More ![](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(5)-1.png?width=300&name=HS%20-%20Featured%20Images%20(5)-1.png) Public Safety | #DronesHelp ### **Asheville’s Blueprint: How Drones Redefined Disaster Response During Hurricane Helene** Read More #### Product Categories #### Service Plan #### Where to Buy #### Cooperation #### Fly Safe #### Support #### Explore #### Community [![](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/hs-fs/hubfs/dji_logo_titan_rgb.png?width=42&name=dji_logo_titan_rgb.png)](https://www.dji.com) - [**](https://www.facebook.com/DJI) - [**](https://twitter.com/djiglobal) - [**](https://www.youtube.com/user/djiinnovations) - [**](https://vimeo.com/dji) - [**](https://www.instagram.com/DJIglobal/) [Do Not Sell Or Share My Personal Information](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire#footer-privacy-popup) Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information We do not disclose your personal information to third parties in exchange for monetary consideration. Nevertheless, under certain U.S. state privacy laws, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") and the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act ("VCDPA"), disclosing personal information for personalized advertising purposes may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of personal information, or processing for "targeted advertising" purposes. Residents of these U.S. states have the right to opt out of the "sale" or "sharing" of their personal information or the processing of their personal information for "targeted advertising." This opt-out right may vary by state, but we nevertheless offer a unified option for our U.S. customers to exercise this right. If you want to opt out of the sale or sharing of your personal information or processing for targeted advertising, please deselect the "Marketing Cookies" checkbox through [Cookie Preferences](https://enterprise-insights.dji.com/user-stories/drone-firefighting-thailand-chemical-factory-fire#). Please note that you will need to opt out on each browser you use. You can learn more about how we collect, use, and disclose your personal information, as well as other rights and choices you may have, by reviewing our [Cookie Policy](https://www.dji.com/policy?site=insights&from=footer). Copyright © 2026 DJI All Rights Reserved. Feedback on web experience? [Click here](https://www.dji.com/feedback?site=insights&from=footer) ![](https://px.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=2226612&fmt=gif) Cookie Preferences