Fire razes pre-war shophouses

GEORGE TOWN: Three pre-war shophouses selling antiques and souvenirs in Jalan Penang were almost destroyed during a fire yesterday morning.

The 9.30am blaze severely damaged the upper floors of the two-storey buildings before firemen managed to bring the situation under control.

A Jalan Perak Fire and Rescue Department spokesman said firemen took about an hour to control the blaze.

He said the fire destroyed almost 90% of the buildings. The shops were popular with tourists.

He said there were no injuries or fatalities except the fainting incident involving one of the shops’ workers.

“An ambulance rushed her to the Penang hospital,” the spokesman told reporters at the scene.

The fire created a massive congestion as drivers slowed down to take a look.

The fire also attracted a huge curious crowd, while thick black smoke billowed into the sky and could be seen from offices around.

Raymond Lim, 56, a char koay teow seller at nearby Lebuh Keng Kwee, said he saw smoke billowing out from one of the shops and alerted other traders.

Cheah, 60, a coffeeshop owner at the Chowrasta Market, said he suspected something amiss after hearing sirens so close to his place.

He said he was shocked to see fire and thick smoke emitting from the shophouses. “Luckily there are no casualties.” The fire’s cause is yet to be ascertained.