Fire destroys warehouse

Dangerous job: Firemen trying to extinguish the warehouse fire in Lengkok Kapal. — MUSTAFA AHMAD/The Star

BUTTERWORTH: A factory warehouse storing lubricant oil and grease in Lengkok Kapal off Jalan Chain Ferry here was razed.

Quick action by firemen prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby buildings and thick black smoke could be seen from a few kilometres away.

Several workers managed to flee to safety.

Police cordoned off the place for fear that the fire might spread or pose a danger to passing traffic.

State Fire and Rescue Department director Azmi Tamat said they received a distress call at 4.34pm yesterday and reached the scene at 4.37pm.

“When firemen arrived, the fire was spreading and two explosions were heard,” he said.

He said the fire was put out at 6pm.

Seven fire engines with 47 firemen assisted by four volunteer fire-fighting teams were involved in the operation.

“As it involved oil, we had to use foam to douse the flames,” Azmi added.

He said the cause of the fire was being investigated while the losses had yet to be determined.

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