Fifty foreign workers narrowly escaped after a fire broke out at a paper factory in the early hours of Sunday, preventing what could have been a far more serious incident.
Selangor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) assistant director of operations Ashrul Riezal Asbar said firefighters found the blaze involved a paper factory located next to a Petronas gas pipeline.
He said a workers’ hostel made from shipping containers was situated behind the factory, where about 50 foreign workers were staying at the time of the incident.
“All the workers managed to evacuate safely before firefighters arrived and no injuries or casualties were reported,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
The department received an emergency call at 1.46am before personnel from the Shah Alam Fire and Rescue Station (BBP), assisted by teams from Sri Andalas and Klang Utara, were dispatched to the scene.
Firefighters arrived at 1.57am and found the blaze involved a Class B factory building measuring about 100 by 200 square feet, with approximately 30 per cent of the premises affected by the fire.
Ashrul Riezal said the fire was brought under control at 2.50am, with extinguishing operations continuing to ensure all remaining hotspots were fully put out.
Initial investigations indicated that the fire is believed to have started from a pile of paper inside the factory compound. A JCB excavator was deployed to help move burning paper stacks and assist firefighters during the operation.
A total of 19 firefighters, supported by two Fire Rescue Tender (FRT) engines, one Light Fire Rescue Tender (LFRT) and a water tanker, took part in the operation.
He added that the factory did not have a fire protection system installed, while the nearest fire hydrant was located about 1,000 feet from the premises.
