KUANTAN: A total of 33 ‘rumah kongsi’, 19 shop lots, and a public library were destroyed in a fire in Sungai Lembing town near here.
Pahang Fire and Rescue Department director Nor Hisham Mohamad said the incident occurred at 1.30am today and the department is still doing a follow-up at the location as it was reported that there are two victims who are trapped in the fire.
“Our operation centre received a call at 1.52am and the first engine arrived 20 minutes later. A total of five engines from Kuantan, Taman Tas, Indera Mahkota and Gebeng stations joined the operation to put out the fire.
“A total of 54 personnel were on duties and we were also joined by Sungai Lembing town volunteer firefighters, the police and the public,” said Nor Hisham.
The fire was contained at 3.55am and the firefighters are still investigating the area after receiving reports from residents about a married couple believed to be trapped in their home.
The state Fire and Rescue Department Forensic Unit is in the midst of identifying the cause of the incident.