Fire ravaged dozens of traditional straw homes in Indonesia.

Residents said the flames began in a wooden house but quickly spread across West Sumba Regency, East Nusa Tenggara province, on Friday afternoon due to strong winds.

Locals rushed to fight the blaze manually, climbing onto roofs and pulling out burning thatch.

Dramatic footage shows the homes engulfed in flames as panicked villagers attempt to douse them, while others watch in distress in Waruwora Village.

Senior Commissioner Hendry Novika Chandra, Head of Public Relations for the East Nusa Tenggara Regional Police, said: 'Dozens of traditional houses were destroyed in a matter of minutes. With the support of three water tankers, the fire was extinguished around 5:45 pm WITA.'

Among the 36 traditional houses, which are cultural and historical icons of the Lamboya people, 26 were completely destroyed, while two others were partially damaged.

The fire forced 41 families, totalling 139 people, to evacuate. They lost all their belongings, but there were no fatalities. Material losses are estimated to reach billions of rupiah.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.

Waruwora Village is a cultural site that preserves the traditional architecture, customs, and heritage of the Lamboya people, an indigenous community of West Sumba known for their thatched houses, local rituals, and long-standing traditions.