ISTANBUL 

A fire broke out at an oil storage facility in southern Malaysia on Saturday, destroying approximately 60% of the premises.

The fire sent black plumes over 100 meters (328 feet) into the air in Johor state's Johor Bahru District, state news agency Bernama reported.

"Preliminary estimates indicate about 60% destruction. Strong winds caused the fire to spread to a disused waste oil storage area," the Johor Fire and Rescue Department Operations Centre said in a statement, as cited by the media outlet.

Several explosions were also heard, causing alarm among residents.

There were 15 vehicles reported to have been damaged, but no casualties.

Residents in the area were ordered to evacuate. 

"The cause has yet to be determined, but based on worker accounts, it is believed to have started in the recycling and oil storage areas. Nearby residents were ordered to evacuate as a precaution and will be allowed to return home once the area is confirmed safe," Zone I deputy chief Senior Fire Superintendent II Rosfarawadi Ismani Ismail said.