Fire destroys five units at Cheras flat

 

A total of five units on the 17th floor of Block 70 of the Sri Sabah flats in Cheras were destroyed in a fire last night.

Fire and Rescue Department Operations and Rescue director Nordin Pauzi said a distress call on the incident was received at 9.19pm.

Seven fire engines, including two aerial ladder platform engines, and 55 personnel from the Hang Tuah, Bandar Tun Razak, Sri Hartamas and Pudu Fire and Rescue Stations were dispatched to the scene.

"The incident is believed to have originated from house unit number three from the side before spreading to four nearby homes.

“However, there were no casualties, and the cause and extent of the damage are still under investigation,” he told the media at the scene.

Initially, the fire department faced some difficulties in controlling the fire as it occurred on the 17th floor, which led to firefighters using aerial ladder platform vehicles due to low water pressure, he said.

However, the firefighters’ swift action ensured that the fire was brought under control at 11.22pm, he added.

Some 39 personnel from agencies such as the Civil Defence Force and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall also assisted in the operation.

“I expect the operation to be completed by 2am, and after that, all residents will be allowed to return to their homes,” he said.

Cheras district police chief Zam Halim Jamaludin said initial investigations found no criminal elements in the incident.

“Further investigation will be conducted by the fire department, and any developments will be informed,” he added.

According to Zam, 50 police personnel will also be stationed at the scene for safety and monitoring purposes to ensure the situation remains under control.

Fire spread fast

A victim told reporters that he did not realise the smell of smoke in his unit came from a fire in his neighbour’s home.

Loo Choon Ming, 39, who has been living in the flat since young, said during the fire, he was watching TV with his 62-year-old mother after celebrating Chinese New Year with family and friends.

“I was watching TV when there was a strong smell of smoke, but in the beginning, I just ignored the smell, thinking it was from fireworks.

“However, the smell started choking me, so I decided to go out and check the source. Only then did I realise that my neighbour’s home was on fire.

“My friends and I tried to douse the fire but after trying for about 20 minutes, we realised it was futile and we quickly ran into my home and rescued my mother.

“But I could not save my belongings,” he added.

He also expressed disappointment that the fire hydrant located on each floor was not functioning and that it resulted in the fire spreading to other areas quickly.

“There were more explosions soon after, probably due to gas cylinders,” he said.

- Bernama