Firemen Prevent Flames Razing 15 Houses In Kampung Cina To Spread

KOTA BHARU, June 8 (Bernama) -- A fire that destroyed 15 houses on Jalan Kampung Cina here this afternoon almost turned into a bigger disaster when it threatened about 10 nearby houses before being brought under control by the fire brigade.

Kelantan Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) Zone 1 chief Khairul Ariffin Che Ramli said his department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 12.34 pm before the first engine from the Kota Bharu Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) arrived at the location about five minutes later.

He said the fire was brought under control at 12.46 pm, thus preventing the fire from spreading to other homes in the area.

“A total of 15 houses were destroyed in the fire, while almost 10 houses were saved from the blaze.

“The operation involved four fire engines, a water tanker, 38 officers and firefighters and five volunteer firefighters,” he told reporters at the scene today.

Khairul Ariffin said water sources were obtained from nearby fire hydrants and the Sungai Kelantan to ensure sufficient supply throughout the operation.

He said the fire spread quickly due to the close proximity of the houses and most of them being built using wooden structures.

“The hot weather conditions at the time of the incident also contributed to the rapid spread of the fire,” he said.

He said the number of families affected was still being identified, while the cause of the fire and estimated losses were still under investigation.

Meanwhile, a victim, Rohani Ab Ghani, 55, said that upon realising the incident, she immediately informed her neighbours to save their valuables.

She was grateful that the fire brigade arrived quickly and successfully prevented the fire from spreading to her house which was located about 10 metres from the fire location.

“If the fire brigade arrived late, my house might not have been saved,” she said.

--BERNAMA