KOTA BHARU, June 9 — A total of 27 semi-wooden and semi-concrete houses were destroyed in a fire that broke out in Kampung Gok Kapor here this afternoon. 

Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat said no fatalities or injuries were reported in the incident, which affected an area of about 2.43 hectares.

“”The Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) received an emergency call at 12.34 pm and arrived at the scene six minutes later. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before completely extinguishing it at 5.30 pm,” he said in a statement last night. 

He said the operation involved 38 officers and personnel from the Kota Darul Naim, Kota Bharu and Tunjong Fire and Rescue Stations, as well as the Kota Bharu volunteer fire brigade, assisted by four fire engines, two water tankers, five fire motorcycles and an Emergency Medical Rescue Services van.

According to him, witnesses reported seeing smoke and flames at about noon before the fire spread rapidly due to the close proximity of the houses.

Mohd Yusoff said preliminary investigations found no evidence of criminal elements or foul play, while the JBPM forensic team is conducting further investigations to determine the cause of the fire. 

“The estimated losses have yet to be determined and are currently being assessed by the relevant authorities,” he added. — Bernama