UP IN FLAMES: The blaze engulfing the warehouse and threatening to spread to neighbouring houses
It took 70 firemen close to nine hours to put out a blaze at a furniture and groceries warehouse here yesterday.
The fire, which began at 12.40am, was first seen by a warehouse worker staying inside the premises.
It started at one end of the half-wooden and half-concrete building and quickly engulfed it.
The warehouse was formerly a rubber factory owned by Lian Hup Corporation Sdn Bhd.
Sentul Fire Station chief Zahari Muhamad said the blaze was believed to have been caused by an electrical short-circuit.
“We took a distress call five minutes after the fire started," he said.
"Eight fire engines from Sentul, Gombak Selatan, Jalan Chow Kit, Jalan Hang Tuah, Wangsa Maju, Seri Hartamas, Setapak and Taman Desa were sent to the scene."
All items in the warehouse, including furniture and groceries like onion, flour and dried chilli, were destroyed in the fire.
“We faced difficulties putting out the blaze as it spread quickly.
"We feared it might spread to the nearby houses," said Zahari.
He said the fire was brought under control at 9am.
Total losses were estimated at RM6 million. No one was injured.
Rohani Abdul Malik, 50, who lives nearby, said the blaze quickly spread through the building.
"We were advised by the firemen to evacuate our houses as they feared the fire might go out of control."
