More than 100 shelters at a holding center for Maynmar ethnic minority "Karen" group in western province of Tak were burnt down when a fire broke on Thursday.

As of press time, there was no report of injuries or deaths. However, the fire was clearly spreading through the forestland in which the camp is located.

According to The Nation, a forest fire raged through the vast compound of Umpiem Refugee Camp in Tak's Phop Phra district.

The camp is located between kilometer markers 80 and 84 on Mae Sot-Phop Phra-Umphang road.

Phop Phra district chief Pote Ruworanan said fire engines were dispatched from all local administrations to put out the fire, which spread very quickly. A number of refugees, young and old, have fled for their lives.

The official added that he believed the fire erupted out of dry leaves and dry weather, The Nation reported.

Police is still investigating the cause of fire.

The Umpiem Refugee Camp has accommodated more than 15,000 refugees, most of them Karen ethnic people.