KEMAMAN: The cause of fire at the Bitumen Company Sdn Bhd factory premise in Teluk Kalong will be known in three weeks, said Terengganu Fire and Rescue Department director Azlimin Mat Noor.
He said an in-depth investigation could only be carried out upon the completion of the firefighting operation.
“Currently, our main focus is to put out the fire which has damaged the three giant tanks used to store crude oil there.
“We believe the investigation will take three weeks for us to find the cause of fire. Investigation will involve recording statements from specialists hired by the company involved in designing the tanks,” he said.
He added the state Fire and Rescue Department investigation team would be working with officers from the headquarters on the case.
The operation on the second and third tanks was expected to end in less than 48 hours, Azlimin informed.
“The fire that broke out at the first tank had been put out completely. The fire on the second tank is being contained with only a few per cents remaining, while the last tank is still blazing,” he said.
The reduction of oil content detected at the site, according to Azlimin had enabled the firemen to apply the direct attack (extinguishing) technique.
“The 146-man team from 22 fire stations, including those from Pahang, are working hard to extinguish the blaze,” he added.