KOTA KINABALU: Around 500 squatter houses in Tawau were believed to have been destroyed in a fire that broke out on Thursday (April 17) evening.

The Fire and Rescue Department received an emergency call at 4.45pm, alerting the incident at Jalan Apas Kampung Kurnia Jaya, Batu 4 there.

The Tawau district team, assisted by Semporna team and Kg Titingan community firemen, were on scene to put out the blaze.

“About 500 squatter units of non-permanent structure were estimated to be engulfed in flames, and the team there are still conducting the operation to put out and get the fire under control using open water sources.

“No injuries or fatalities were reported so far,” said the Fire and Rescue spokesperson, adding that they will update the situation from time to time.