Two prewar shoplots severely damaged during fire in Lebuh Cintra

GEORGE TOWN: Two units of prewar shoplots were severely damaged during a fire along Lebuh Cintra today.
However, no casualties were reported in the 2pm incident.
According to the Fire and Rescue Department spokesman Azman Hussin, the blaze damaged 90% of an air-conditioner spare parts shop while the roof of an unit was damaged.
"Firefighters managed to control the fire by about 3.14pm," he said in a statement to the media.
He said 34 personnel from Lebuh Pantai fire station were deployed to the scene.
Meanwhile, a witness who only wanted to be known as Lau said he was just finishing his lunch when he realised there was a fire nearby.
"Luckily the fire didn't spread to other shoplots. Otherwise it could have been worse", he told theSun.
The Fire and Rescue Department is still investigating the cause of the fire and the loss from the incident.
Meanwhile, prewar shophouse owners have been advised to install sprinkler systems in their buildings to snuff out any threat in the event a fire breaks out.
Lebuh Pantai Fire and Rescue Department Senior Fire Officer II Azmi Ahmad made the recommendation after fire destroyed three such shophouses in Jalan Penang on Tuesday morning.
He said having a sprinkler system would definitely help reduce the damage caused during a fire.
He noted the buildings involved in the fire were largely made of wood which had contributed to the fire spreading fast.
"We do recommend shop owners to have sprinkler systems in their buildings," he told theSun when met at the scene but noted such systems maybe costly to put in.
Azmi was overseeing "cooling" operations at the site after the fire flared up four times following the 10am incident on Sept 12.
The latest flare up happened about 10am yesterday but firemen have been on site since Tuesday to handle the situation.
theSun learned the site flared up about 2pm after the first bout of fire and another flare up happened at 1am.
A crowd of curious onlookers have gathered at the site which is a popular spot for visitors seeking local eats and souvenirs.
Azmi said the fire department was still investigating the cause.
"The building won't collapse," he said when asked.
Meanwhile, the owner of Hong Giap Handicrafts, Arts and Novelties Dealers, Tan How Khin, 84, was very saddened by the loss of his shop and wares.
"The fire took everything," he said and declined to speak further citing his sorrow over his losses.
George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) Built Environment and Monitoring Manager Muhammad Hijas Sahari said those planning to rebuild the shops have to adhere to heritage guidelines.
He said those affected were welcome to seek help and advice from GTWHI to go about the rebuilding process.
Below is a video of the incident: