On 5/6, the Fire Prevention, Fighting, and Rescue Police Department of Son La Provincial Police, in coordination with provincial specialized agencies and Yen Chau commune People's Committee, inspected the site where self-ignition occurred in the yard of Lo Van Mi and Quang Thi Tuoi's home in Ngua village.
The inspection revealed fire spots on the concrete surface in front of the house gate, measuring approximately 5 cm high, accompanied by white smoke and yellow ash. At times, the concrete surface temperature at the fire spots reached 150 degrees Celsius.
The task force excavated a 50x50 cm section of the concrete foundation at the ignition point. At a depth of 7 cm, they discovered reddish-brown adhesive substances along with several oxidized metal bars. Continuing the excavation to 20 cm, the team found no further substances or objects. After collecting samples for analysis, the fire spots extinguished.
A home's concrete yard in Son La catches fire. Video: Yen Chau Commune
The area where the fire spots appeared is part of the Yen Chau 2 geological formation and showed no signs related to minerals. Therefore, the task force concluded that residual chemicals in oxidized metal containers were likely present. Upon direct exposure to air, these chemicals reacted exothermically, leading to ignition.
Previously, the chemical containers may have been mixed with sand and gravel collected by the family from a stream to pour the concrete yard in late 2025. Buried beneath the concrete layer, the chemicals only reacted when exposed to suitable conditions, such as intense heat.
From 25/5 to early June, residents reported multiple instances of self-igniting fire spots on Mi's concrete yard in front of his gate. The phenomenon typically occurred around midday during intense heat, causing concern among locals.
Gia Chinh
