Quick action by security guards and staff of the Kuala Lumpur Library saved about 50 people from a fire that damaged 20 percent of the building this morning.

During the 9.45am incident, construction material used for the refurbishment of the main entrance of the Library caught fire.

One of the security guards on duty, Faizah Asari, said she quickly informed a senior officer in the library about the fire as soon as she saw smoke billowing at the main entrance door.

“Workers were installing the awning at the main entrance when the fire started. It happened quickly and within five minutes the fire had spread to the roof,” said Faizah when met at the scene.

Senior librarian Norizam Abdul Ghani said the Fire and Rescue Department was immediately notified and the building evacuated.

“Since the library opens at 2pm on Mondays, there were not many people inside. Those inside the building were those using the facilities available at the library to prepare for the departmental examination,” said Norizam.

The library will be closed starting today until further announcement.

Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department commanding officer Amrdan Mahat said 39 fire fighters from the Hang Tuah, Titiwangsa and Sentul Fire and Rescue Department were deployed to the location after receiving a distress call.

There were no casualties.

- Bernama