Update; from Coco Guesthouse manager on Koh Phi Phi at 15.00 7th Feb 2018.
Carrying on from yesterday's post:
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The fire seemed to have started yesterday at the pancake stall outside the front of the October Guesthouse. It quickly spread and engulfed many shops and 2 guesthouses before being put out.
No one died, thank God. 3 people were hurt from smoke inhalation and one person has a shoulder problem (dislocated).
DAMAGE
World Med Clinic
October Guesthouse
Coco Bella Resort
Garlic Restaurant
Fruit shop
Tattoe shop
Multiple simple bamboo food vending stalls (2 meters wide, I think about 10 shops)
Koh Phi Phi was very lucky as the wind changed direction and blew the flames out to sea. (Initially it was thretening to engulf the center of the village.)
Sand and fire were put on the flames and embers. Local people and tourist formed human chains to to get water in buckets to the heart of the flames. 2 fireman on holiday helped and advised. The police organised that all gas tanks were carry away from the danger area.
Reggae Bar opened up 10 rooms for those who had rooms booked at Coco Bella and October Gueshtouse. Coco's Guesthouse also took in a group. These are the guesthouses I know who helped but there are more.
All in all, everybody work together in a spirit of community. As with many difficult events, it can bring out the best in humanity.
Government officers arrive this mornng to take pictures, assess the damage and to make proposals for improved fire safety.
Koh Phi Phi accommodation has electric water and wifi except for the area that was destroyed.
