The death toll in a fire in East China's Fujian province on Monday has risen to nine as two more bodies were found in the afternoon. One was still missing and another injured was treated at hospital.

A fire turned houses into ruins in a village in Jianou city, East China's Fujian province, Jan 16, 2012. Nine people have been confirmed dead and one is still missing as of Monday evening. [Photo/Xinhua]

The fire started at about 4 a.m. in a village in Jianou city, destroying two buildings, before being put out by firefighters three hours later, the local police station said.

The fire affected 12 households, killing seven people at the scene. Two more bodies were retrieved on Monday afternoon.

Firefighters are still in search for the one missing. The cause of the fire is under investigation.