Photo shows JOC Galaxy (Myanmar) Apparel Company's factory on fire in Yangon, Myanmar on Wednesday. Photo: courtesy of Luo Muzhen

A fire that engulfed a Chinese-owned clothing factory in Yangon, Myanmar on early Wednesday morning was likely the work of arson as tools were found on the site, an industry insider told the Global Times. 

The fire broke out at around 4:37am Wednesday morning at the first floor of the factory, which was owned by JOC Galaxy (Myanmar) Apparel Company, Luo Muzhen, Secretary General of China Textile and Garment Association in Myanmar, told the Global Times on Wednesday.  

Police have retrieved the CCTV of the factory and neighboring plants for further investigation. Finished and semi-finished products, as well as machines were burned, Luo said, adding that arson tools were found on site.

The fire lasted about an hour before firefighters put it out. No casualties were reported. 

Luo noted the factory is still evaluating the losses, which would be severe.  

Over 40 Chinese-invested plants were smashed or burned by protesters so far amid escalating tensions in Myanmar, Luo said. 

Photo shows JOC Galaxy (Myanmar) Apparel Company's factory on fire in Yangon, Myanmar on Wednesday. Photo: courtesy of Luo Muzhen