TAWAU, Oct 17 — 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 9.31pm, prompting 45 firefighters to the scene.

“Firefighting operations used water from fire engines, a nearby hydrant and an open water source. About 300 houses were saved,” he said when contacted here today.

He said the fire spread quickly due to strong winds and because the houses were closely situated.

No casualties were reported, and the operation ended at 3.25am, he added. — Bernama