PASIR MAS: A family in Kampung Paloh Hilir, near Tendong, here not only lost their home and preparations for their son's wedding but also 30 of their pet cats in a fire that destroyed their house.
The fire, which occurred at about 9.30pm on Thursday (March 12), destroyed the house belonging to the family of eight, along with two cars, three motorcycles and various valuables, with total losses estimated at over RM100,000.
Homeowner Rizan Bujang, 48, said most of their pet cats were inside the house at the time and could not be rescued.
"My children really love cats and these pets would gather inside the house at night. We did not have time to save them," she said.
Nurul Rizan said she and her husband, Zafri Abdullah, 47, were in Pasir Pekan, Tumpat and were informed about the fire by their second child, Mohd Aizat Azmi, 27.
Mohd Aizat, who was at home with two of his younger siblings, injured his right foot after stepping on embers while they were escaping the house.
Meanwhile, Wakaf Baru fire station chief Nasrin Ismail said they received an emergency call at 9.56pm.
He said 16 firefighters from Wakaf Bharu assisted by personnel from Tunjong were dispatched to the scene.
"Upon arrival, we found that the fire had already destroyed the house. The blaze was fully extinguished at 12.10am.
"The fire spread quickly because the house was made of wood. The cause of the incident is still under investigation," he said. – Bernama
