ALOR STAR: The firework-like sparks seen in a 10-second social media video capturing the fire that engulfed three warehouses in Bukit Selambau yesterday are likely to have originated from chemical reactions caused by burnt AAA batteries.
Kedah Fire and Rescue Department Awang Hidzel Awang Bujang said traces of burnt AAA batteries were discovered during the ongoing investigation into the fire.
Hence, he advised the public to avoid making speculations linking the fire to stored fireworks, emphasising the need to prevent the spread of misinformation.
"While there were indeed explosions, our investigation found no involvement of fireworks in the warehouses. It's not a fireworks factory.
"Upon inspection, there were scattered AAA battery casings, suggesting the sparks could be a result of this. However, it's just one possibility, as there are other materials we couldn't examine due to thick smoke. Our priority is the safety of our personnel," he told reporters at the scene today.
Awang Hidzel assured that the fire has been contained from spreading to nearby warehouses and factories in the area.
"Operations are still ongoing, there are still patches of fire and smoke in the area. There are some challenges as we are not sure of what other chemical materials are in the warehouses, so we must proceed with caution," he added
Awang Hidzel also confirmed that no one was harmed during the incident.
Meanwhile, he advised warehouse and factory owners to be responsible and cooperate with authorities in fire cases.
"In situations like these, the warehouse owners must cooperate with the authorities as it affects the environment and public safety.
"Without the owner present, we lack information about the building's contents, whether it possess potential threats to our personnel," he added.
He also advised warehouse owners to ensure proper certification and fire safety systems on their premises.
Earlier today, it was reported that a fire broke out at Bukit Selambau, involving three warehouses storing used items such as metal, wires and copper.
Reports indicated that thick smoke and firework-like sparks filled the air after a factory caught fire in Bukit Selambau last night.
A 10-second video of the incident was also circulated on social media platforms.