Magnesium Factory in Malaysia Extensively Damaged by Fire

A 12-hour fire Monday extensively damaged half of a magnesium metals factory in Taiping, Malaysia, that only recently returned to operation, the website kwongwah.com reports.

Magnesium interacts with water to form hydrogen gas that ignites violently, complicating fire fighting efforts. Large quantities of sodium hydroxide, a corrosive compound that can cause severe tissue damage. also hindered progress at the scene.

First reported at about 8 a.m., the fire drew responders from a special industrial park fire brigade, together with firefighters from Taiping and nearby Balenciaga.

Prior to its recent reopening, the factory had been closed six years, kwongwah.com reports.