Three double-storey terrace houses damaged in fire

PERAI – Three double-storey terrace houses in Halaman Kikik, Taman Inderawasih here were damaged in a fire on Thursday.

However, all occupants managed to escape without sustaining any injuries.

Penang Fire and Rescue Department Assistant Director of the Fire and Rescue Operations Division John Sagun Francis said the department received an emergency call regarding the incident at 3.23pm, before a fire engine from the Perai Fire and Rescue Station arrived at the scene about seven minutes later.

He said the blaze involved three houses, each measuring 30 by 40 square feet.

“The estimated damage for house number 23 is about 10 per cent, while houses number 25 and 27 sustained 50 per cent and 40 per cent damage respectively.

“The Fire and Rescue Operations Team (PKO) carried out firefighting and containment efforts using both defensive and offensive methods, in addition to creating a fire break to prevent the flames from spreading,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

He added that the fire was brought under control at 3.56pm before being fully extinguished at 5.30pm.

“The PKO subsequently conducted overhaul works to ensure there were no further hazards before the operation was concluded at 5.48pm.

“The incident did not involve any casualties as all occupants had exited their homes prior to the arrival of the fire brigade,” he said.

He added that the firefighting operation was also assisted by the Butterworth Fire and Rescue Station along with several nearby volunteer fire teams.

“A total of 17 personnel, including a supervisor, were involved in the operation, supported by four fire engines.

“The case has been handed over to the Fire Investigation Team for further action, while the Post-Incident One-Stop Centre also gathered information from the property owners and provided advisory services as needed,” he said.