Smoke From Factory Fire Blankets Johor Baharu

JOHOR BAHARU, Aug 3 -- Thick smoke from a burning factory in neighbouring Singapore blanketed this city Sunday.

The thick smoke, carried by strong wind, could be seen from a distance.

Many people rushed down to the city thinking that a major fire had occurred in the city centre.

"There was thick smoke and it gave the impression that the city centre was on fire," said Mohd Salleh, 44, from Kangkar Tebrau.

He had rushed to the city centre from his house located 10 kilometres away after seeing the thick smoke.

Singapore media reported that fire broke out at timber-related factory in Sungei Kadut Street 1.

The Singapore Civil Defence department received a call on the fire at about 3.30pm and despatched 12 fire engines with 70 personnel to the scene.

Strong wind posed a problem to the fire fighters in putting out the fire and the blaze was still razing at press time.

No casualties were reported.

-- BERNAMA