TAWAU: Sixteen wooden houses were destroyed in a fire at Lorong Fook Hwa, Batu 2, Jalan Apas, here last night.
Tawau Zone Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) chief Moiley Milin said the department received an emergency call through NG999 at 9.31 pm, prompting the deployment of 45 firefighters to the scene.
He said firefighting operations involved water from fire engines, a nearby hydrant and an open water source, adding that about 300 houses were saved.
He said the fire spread quickly due to strong winds and the close proximity of the houses.
No casualties were reported, and the operation ended at 3.25 am, he added.