A fire started at the Grand Royal whiskey factory in Hmawbi Township in Yangon Region on 13 January at 3:30 pm.

As the fire got stronger, after five minutes, it went to level 2 and then went to level 3, according to the Myanmar Fire Services Department.

Firefighters were still trying to extinguish the residual fire at 9 pm last night.

At least 12 firefighters were injured due to an explosion inside the factory during the fire and had to be taken to Insein Hospital.

The fire started in a room at the factory and spread to the liquor storage area in the factory compound, according to some residents.