The fire, fanned by strong winds, spread through their wooden house within minutes, leaving the victims unable to salvage the belongings.

During the height of the fire, several explosions from a cooking gas store sent hundreds of villages running for shelter. However, some of them returned later and helped put out the fire.

Besides the 14 houses, two factories ,an advertising company and the gas store were destroyed in the fire ,which began at 6.30pm.

Damansara Fire and Rescue Department chief Jahari Mohd said five fire engines and 42 men were rushed to the scene after they received a distress call at 6.39pm.

"We managed to control the fire within 45 minutes .We had some difficulties because the nearest fire hydrant was about 40m away, "he said ,adding the narrow roads in the village and the number of vehicle parked by the roadside had delayed his men.

Jahari added that a fireman was injured when the roof of a house collapsed and fell on his legs. The injured fireman was sent to the hospital for treatment.

Some of the victims are taking shelter at a Buddhist Temple nearby while other are staying with friends and relatives.