120 LEFT HOMELESS AFTER AS SWEEP THROUGH 25 HOUSES

KUANTAN, Feb 22 (Bernama) -- About 120 people from 26 families were made

homeless when fire swept through 25 wooden houses in Kampung Baru Cina Ketari,

Bentong, today.

Thirty firemen from Bentong and Karak fire station as well as fire brigade

volunteers from Perting and Janda Baik with five machines raced to the scene

after being alerted about the fire at 3.55am, said Pahang Fire and Rescue

Department assistant director of operations Zulfahmi Sutaji.

He said strong winds and the continuing dry spell hampered efforts to bring

the fire under control as quickly as the firemen could.

"Moreover, the houses were built close to each other and located behind a

petrol kiosk. Anyway, the fire was contained at about 7pm," he said when

contacted today.

The victims were temporarily housed at the Ketari Chinese School hall.

Losses and the cause of the fire had yet to be ascertained, said Zulfahmi.

-- BERNAMA

ZAF NZR MB