Some 45 houses in a squatter colony at Kampung Muhibbah Likas near here, were destroyed in a morning fire today.

The Sabah Fire and Rescue Department in a statement said three fire trucks with 44 firefighters including 13 auxiliary personnel from the Lintas Fire and Rescue Station were dispatched to the area following a distress call at 8am.

"The team arrived at the scene at 8.10am and managed to control the blaze by 8.51am and prevent it from spreading to 30 other houses," it said.

The department said the cause and estimated losses were being investigated, while no casualties had been reported. One individual who suffered minor burns was sent to Queen Eizabeth Hospital for treatment.

-- BERNAMA