A major fire erupted at the Selangor Wholesale Market in Seri Kembangan around 10:00-10:50pm on July 24, 2026, triggering several explosions due to about 2,000 methane or portable camping gas canisters stored inside the premises, according to the Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director Ashrul Riezal Asbar [1, 2, 3, 4].
The blaze destroyed approximately 90% of a Class B building measuring 100 feet by 100 feet, which housed a shop selling electrical goods and kitchen equipment [5, 6]. Firefighters faced operational challenges as five nearby fire hydrants were unusable because they were managed by private parties, forcing crews to rely on fire engines and tanker water supplies to combat the fire [1, 5, 3].
Fire crews deployed 68 personnel from 15 fire stations across Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, supported by 67 volunteers and several fire vehicles [1, 5, 3]. Despite the rapid spread, the fire was contained before reaching the main market building 50 metres away, which houses fish, vegetable, and meat sections [1, 3, 4].
The fire was controlled by about 1:20am and fully extinguished by 6:20am on July 25, with mopping-up and overhaul operations continuing afterwards [1, 5, 6, 7, 3, 4]. A worker nearby recalled hearing loud popping sounds around 10pm and witnessing thick smoke rapidly spreading before firefighters arrived [8]. Ashrul Riezal Asbar stated, "Several explosions did occur initially, but we managed to control the situation" and noted that the 250g gas canisters used for camping had all been consumed in the blaze [1, 2].
No casualties have been reported so far, though search and debris clearing operations are ongoing to verify this [1, 6, 7, 2, 4]. An excavator is awaited to remove debris and allow forensic investigators to examine the site [6, 7, 2, 4]. The forensic investigation into the fire's cause is expected to take about 14 days after site clearance, with Ashrul advising patience during this process [7]. He also noted that storage of small camping gas canisters is currently not regulated by the Fire and Rescue Department, and operators are urged to keep LPG cylinders outside premises and have fire extinguishers ready [2].
Local assemblyman Abbas Azmi called for redevelopment and better management of the aging market complex, including addressing the presence of undocumented foreigners. He said, "I believe it is time for the Selangor government, especially PKPS as the landowner managing this place, to consider redevelopment. The demographics have certainly changed and our societal needs have evolved" [7].
Meanwhile, vegetable trade resumed quickly after evacuation, with workers continuing business even during the fire [8]. Authorities remain focused on debris clearance and forensic analysis before determining the fire's exact cause.
