About 50 houses were gutted in fire that broke out at Kampung Simunul water village here, Saturday night.

Semporna Fire and Rescue department chief, Fazizul Hizam Borhan said two fire engines and 18 firefighters were rushed to the scene after they received an emergency call at about 7.44pm.

"When we arrived at the scene at about 7.48pm, the fire was spreading fast and we encountered difficulties moving in as the paths leading in were too narrow," he said when contacted by Bernama.

He said they were assisted by another engine and eleven members from Tawau and Kunak Fire and Rescue departments.

Fazizul Hizam said the fire was brought under control at around 10 pm and so far, no casualties were reported while the cause and the amount of losses were being investigated.