TAWAU: Sixteen non-permanent houses were completely destroyed in a fire at Lorong Mat Salleh, Mile 2 Jalan Apas, here, on Friday night.
Tawau Fire and Rescue Department Zone Chief PgKB II Moilley Milin said the blaze destroyed an area measuring approximately 52 by 95 metres, while firefighters managed to save 300 neighbouring homes.
Firefighters arrived at the scene, located three kilometres from the station, three minutes after receiving an emergency call via the NG999 line at 9.31pm.
Firefighting operations faced challenges due to low water pressure, strong winds, closely spaced wooden structures, and high flammability before the blaze was brought under control at 11.55pm and completely ended at 3.25am on Saturday.
No casualties were reported in the incident involving 45 fire personnel alongside police, civil defence, water department, and Sabah Electricity personnel, while the cause of the fire and total losses remain under investigation.
