By Myo Thein
Feb 20, 2026

A fire broke out at the Straightex Myanmar garment factory in Wataya Industrial Zone, according to workers who spoke to Myanmar Labour News. The blaze reportedly began at around 12:05 p.m.

“We had just started eating lunch after the bell rang when we noticed thick smoke coming out from inside the factory. We couldn’t take anything with us. Workers were running in panic and some were injured. We just ran out,” a young female worker said.

According to workers, the fire is believed to have started in the ironing department. Heavy smoke was seen coming from a small factory exit, prompting all employees to evacuate. Around 900 workers are employed at the two-story factory, which has been operating for over a year.

“The factory has two floors. The ground floor contains storage and packing departments. It will mark one year of operation in July. There have been no emergency trainings or fire drills. When the fire broke out, we didn’t even know where the fire extinguishers were placed, so we had to run. There was no systematic emergency response, so losses are inevitable,” the worker added.

At the time of reporting, the fire was still burning. Workers said there were concerns that the flames could spread to neighboring garment factories. Reports of injuries and possible fatalities have circulated, but these could not yet be independently confirmed.

“We can still see the factory from here. There are many fire trucks, but the fire hasn’t been extinguished yet. There are other garment factories nearby. Workers are no longer inside. We heard that someone may have died or been trapped, but we cannot confirm it yet,” workers said.

Straightex Co., Ltd is located on Ngapyawtaw Road, Wataya Industrial Zone, Shwepyithar Township, Yangon. The factory is reportedly managed and owned by Chinese citizens. According to a statement from the Myanmar Fire Services Department, the fire had been burning for more than three hours and had not yet been brought under control at the time of reporting.