Pre-war shophouses severely damaged by fire in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: Three pre-war shophouses selling antiques and souvenirs along Jalan Penang were nearly destroyed during a fire this morning.

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

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

He said the fire had destroyed almost 90% of the buildings along the road which is popular with visitors and tourists.

He said there was no injuries or fatalities during the incident but a worker of one of the shops had fainted.

"She was taken to the Penang hospital in an ambulance," the spokesman told reporters at the scene.

The fire along a major thoroughfare in the city created massive congestion as drivers slowed down to take a look.

The scene also attracted a huge crowd who were curious to see what was happening while thick black smoke billowed into the sky and could be seen from offices around.

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

"I saw the smoke coming out as my stall is opposite the shops," he said.

Cheah, 60, a coffeeshop owner at the Chowrasta Market, said he suspected something wrong after hearing sirens near his place.

He said he went to take a look to find out what was happening and was shocked to see fire and thick smoke emitting from the shophouses.

"Luckily there are no casualties," he added.

The cause of the fire and amount of damages are still being ascertained at time of writing.

theSun is trying to get the shopkeepers for comment.