Building Fire

If you see fire or smoke, or hear the fire alarm, act immediately. Fast, calm evacuation is the most important thing you can do to stay safe.

At a glance

Alert level: Critical

Do this first

Raise the alarm. If you discover a fire and the alarm has not sounded, activate the nearest fire alarm point and shout to alert others nearby.

What to do now

  1. Raise the alarm. If you discover a fire and the alarm has not sounded, activate the nearest fire alarm point and shout to alert others nearby.
  2. Leave immediately by the nearest stairwell. Do not stop to collect belongings.
  3. Do not use lifts. Power can fail or lifts can open onto a floor filled with smoke.
  4. Stay low if there is smoke. Smoke and toxic gases collect near the ceiling first and cause more deaths than flames, so crawl below the smoke line if needed.
  5. Close doors behind you as you leave. This slows the spread of fire and smoke.
  6. Go to the assembly point and stay there. Do not re-enter the building for any reason until officials confirm it is safe.

If you are inside a building

  • Before opening any door, feel it and the handle with the back of your hand. If it feels hot, or smoke is coming through the gap, do not open it. Use another exit.
  • Follow illuminated exit signs and staff or fire marshal instructions.
  • Help anyone nearby who needs assistance evacuating, including anyone with a mobility difficulty, but do not put yourself at serious risk.

Evacuating safely

  • Walk quickly, do not run or push.
  • Take the nearest safe stairwell down and out of the building.
  • Once outside, move well away from the building entrance so you do not block firefighters or other people evacuating.
  • Go to the designated assembly point so staff can check everyone is accounted for.

If you are trapped

  • Close the door of the room you are in and, if possible, seal gaps at the bottom with clothing or towels to slow smoke entering.
  • Move to a window if there is one, open it if you can, and signal for help by waving something bright or shouting.
  • Call the fire and rescue hotline (199) and tell them your exact location, including floor and room number.
  • Do not break a window unless you need to for air or to be seen. Broken glass draws smoke in and creates a fall hazard.

After the fire

  • Do not go back inside the building until fire officials or university staff say it is safe.
  • Report anyone you believe is still missing to fire crews or staff at the assembly point immediately.
  • Follow official updates about when classes and building access will resume.

For international students

  • Learn the location of your building's stairwells and at least two exits on your first week, before you ever need them.
  • Save the fire and rescue number (199) in your phone now.
  • If you do not speak Thai, tell nearby staff or classmates clearly if you need help finding the way out, and stay with a group if possible.

Useful contacts

  • Fire and rescue (national):199
  • Bangkok Erawan Emergency Medical Service (for injuries):1646

Contact BIRSA

This is general guidance from a student-run site. In an emergency, always follow the instructions of the emergency services and Thammasat University.

Is there a problem with this page? Report a problem with this page