JOHOR BARU: A total of 34 firemen and nine fire engines were deployed to the Kota Puteri Industrial Area near Taman Megah Ria here to put out the massive fire that started at an oil storage facility.
Johor Fire and Rescue Department zone one assistant chief Rosfarawadi Ismani Ismail said the flames had spread to five premises, affecting an area of approximately 1,000 square metres.
“The incident, which was reported at 12.54pm on Saturday (June 21), also destroyed 15 vehicles, including seven tanker lorries, three motorcycles and five cars. No casualties were reported.
“Initial investigations found that three premises including a recycled engine oil storage facility, a soap processing factory and a lorry parking area were completely destroyed, while a construction material store and a car wash were partially damaged,” he told reporters when met at the scene.
He said the fire had been put under control on Saturday evening, but operations are still ongoing to ensure fire does not break out again.
He added that although it is too early to determine the exact cause, preliminary statements from workers indicate that the fire may have originated from the recycled engine oil storage facility.
Some 200 households near the area were also urged to evacuate temporarily as a safety measure.
“They will be allowed to return to their homes once the area is confirmed to be completely safe,” Rosfarawadi added.
It was earlier reported that the fire had caused thick smog visible even from the Eastern Dispersal Link Highway, some 8km away.
The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and broke out less than 50m from a nearby residential area.
Witnesses reported small explosions and several barrels believed to be filled with oil were seen exploding.
