A pre-dawn fire destroyed four homes in Kepala Batas, affecting 21 occupants who all escaped unharmed, with vehicles also lost in the blaze

KEPALA BATAS: A pre-dawn meal turned to tragedy when a fire destroyed four homes in Permatang Kerai Besar early today.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 5.06 am and deployed 27 personnel with six fire engines from four stations.

The blaze involved four Class B houses, each sustaining about 80% damage.

Several vehicles parked in front of the homes were also destroyed in the fire.

A total of 21 occupants from the four houses were affected, but all survived the incident.

The close proximity of the houses contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.

Two Proton Exora cars and a Ford Ranger were about 90% burnt.

Five motorcycles at one of the houses were also 90% destroyed.

Firefighters employed defensive and offensive strategies, including creating a fire break.

The fire was brought under control at 6 am and fully extinguished at 6.56 am.

Overhaul works ensured no remaining hotspots before operations concluded at 9.32 am.

The scene has been handed over to the Fire Investigation Team for further action.

The cause of the fire and the total losses are still under investigation.

 The Sun Malaysia