GEORGE TOWN: Quick action of a man who realised his house was on fire managed to save his wife from being burnt at the Jalan Tengah Flat in Taman Bukit Gedung here today.
In the 1.10pm fire, the husband and wife, in their 60s, sustained burns, with the husband about 40 per cent while the wife more than 80 per cent.
Operations officer from the state Fire and Rescue Department Mohamad Hirman Mat Rodzi said they received an emergency call about the incident at 1.15pm and rushed to the scene.
"As soon as we arrived, we found that a room in the unit, measuring 100sqft, was on fire while the couple were outside the house with burns.
"We carried out the fire extinguishing work and it was successfully put out at 1.37pm. The fire was contained in the room and did not spread to other areas," he said.
Mohamad Hirman said, according to the husband, the fire started in the room, and at the time of the incident, his wife was resting there while he went downstairs to collect his belongings.
He said the man, who was climbing the stairs to go back to his house, noticed the fire and rushed to save his wife, who was alone in the room.
"Quick action by the man had saved his wife, who was in a state of shock when the fire broke out. She was unable to leave the room until she was rescued by her husband.
"They have been sent to Penang Hospital for treatment," he added.
Total loss and the cause of fire is still under investigation.