TAWAU: Approximately 16 wooden houses were destroyed in a fire at Lorong Fook Hwa, Batu 2, Jalan Apas, here yesterday.
Tawau Fire and Rescue Department Zone chief Moiley Milin said the department received an emergency call through the NG999 system at 9.31 pm, prompting 45 firefighters to be dispatched to the scene.
He said firefighting efforts involved water from fire engines, nearby fire hydrants and an open water source from a drain. The operation successfully saved around 300 houses from being destroyed by the blaze.
Moiley said the cause of the fire remained under investigation, adding that the flames spread quickly due to the closely spaced houses and strong winds.
He confirmed that no casualties were reported and the firefighting operation concluded at 3.25 am.
-AWANI
