Man injured while trying to put out fire at EV battery storage room

GEORGE TOWN: A 31-year-old man was injured while trying to put out a fire at an electric vehicle (EV) battery storage room in Jalan Jelutong yesterday.

The Penang Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 3.42pm.

Its assistant operations director, John Sagun Francis, said the fire involved a battery storage room measuring about 10sq ft. An estimated 85 per cent of the premises was damaged.

"The victim was injured while attempting to put out the fire.

"He received initial treatment from the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team before being taken to Penang Hospital for further treatment," he said in a statement.

Firefighters from the Jalan Perak station, assisted by teams from the Lebuh Pantai and Paya Terubong stations, were deployed to the scene.

John said the team used two water lines fitted with two 60-metre jets and a hose reel to extinguish the blaze.

"The fire was brought under control at 4pm and fully extinguished at 4.10pm.

"Firefighters then carried out overhaul operations to ensure there were no further hazards," he added.

The operation ended at 5.57pm, after which the case was handed over to the Fire Investigation Unit for further action.