Fire breaks out at paper recycling factory in Shah Alam, 50 workers escape unharmed

 

PETALING JAYA: About 50 workers escaped unharmed after a fire damaged about 30% of a paper recycling factory in Shah Alam early Sunday (July 12).

Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said firefighters received an emergency call at 1.46am and the first fire engine arrived at the scene at 1.57am.

He said the blaze involved a Class B factory building measuring about 100ft by 200ft.

“The fire was brought under control at 2.50am and extinguishing works are still ongoing. No casualties were reported.

“The fire started from a pile of paper. Firefighters are waiting for an excavator to assist in the extinguishing operation by moving the paper debris,” he said in a statement today.

Ashrul Riezal said the factory did not have a fire protection system, while the workers’ hostel, made of shipping containers, was located behind the premises with no direct access from the factory.

He added that all 50 workers staying at the hostel were safely evacuated.

A total of 19 firefighters from the Shah Alam, Sri Andalas and Klang Utara Fire and Rescue Stations were deployed to the scene.

The operation involved two fire rescue tenders (FRT), one light fire rescue tender (LFRT) and a water tanker. Firefighters used two hose lines, four nozzles and a relay pumping system to contain the blaze. - Star