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Arson, embers possible causes of second blaze at Wisma Jakel, says Selangor fire chief

SHAH ALAM: Elements of arson and embers are among the main focus of the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department's investigation following a second fire at Wisma Jakel in Section 7 here early this morning.

Selangor Fire and Rescue Depatrtment director, Datuk Norazam Khamis, said an in-depth investigation would be carried out to unearth comprehensive information.

"This fire could be caused by embers from burned fabrics. We are still investigating the matter and taking items that we need to analyse. Maybe the embers were somehow left behind or someone went up to do the burning.

"Other aspects will also be looked at and studied in-depth. Thus far, there is no conclusion that can be made about this second fire," he told reporters at the scene of the fire at Wisma Jakel today.

Norazam said the department needed a period of 14 days to carry out a preliminary investigation and analysis, including obtaining witnesses to the incident.

Norazam said that the department today mobilised the services of the Detection Dog Unit (K9), with two English Springer Spaniel dogs named Woody and Rocco, to detect any substance that could have possibly caused the fire.

"Samples will be sent to our investigation laboratory in Bukit Jelutong for analysis. Apart from that, aspects of the wiring and electrical equipment used at the Wisma Jakel building will also be analysed," he said.

In the meantime, Norazam said he had set up a forward control centre, comprising more than 10 personnel, as a monitoring and precautionary measure in case of a recurring fire.

"So far, the fire has been completely put out but comprehensive monitoring measures are ongoing," he said.

He said the public were barred from entering the area where the incident took place.

"Firefighters, with the help of Jakel employees, will carry out the unloading of all goods, especially fabric that survived the fire, from the Wisma Jakel premises, starting today," he said.

Wisma Jakel suffered a second fire today, this time affecting the curtain fabric storage room at the premises.

A total of 43 firemen were mobilised to the scene after the department received a distress call at 12.40am. The fire was completely doused at 3.07am.

The first fire broke out at the Wisma Jakel building two days ago. It was believed to have started at 7.08am and destroyed 80 per cent of the three-storey shoplot. – Bernama

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