Perak fire and rescue department assistant director of operations Sabarodzi Nor Ahmad said the department received an emergency call at 5.19pm, and a fire engine from the Simpang Pulai fire and rescue station was on the scene about 12 minutes later.

“The fire razed a Class B building measuring 15m by 15m, which was used as a cat shelter. About 80% of the structure was destroyed.

“It is estimated that about 50 cats were at the shelter, of which 10 perished in the fire. No other fatalities were reported in the incident,” he said in a statement today.

Sabarodzi said the fire was brought under control at 6.04pm, and the operation was concluded at 7pm.

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