The National Fire Authority (‘Authority’) hereby informs all business owners and occupiers of commercial and industrial buildings and vessels that annual fire safety inspections are now being conducted for all businesses, whether small, medium or large businesses to determine fire safety compliance under the National Fire Service Act 1994 (‘Act’).

The Authority is mandated under section 11A of the Act to inspect and certify premises to determine compliance with the National Building Code, Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 and any other relevant codes and regulations. Business Premises which do not comply may be issued with non-compliance notices and may be subjected to a notice for closure of its premises should the risk of fire be high due to the non-compliance to fire safety standards.

In the last 5 years, the Authority has attended to 687 structural fires across the country, with the total cost estimated at around $288,426,341.00. The high figures require the need for inspections to be undertaken, to ensure business premises are in compliance with fire safety standards. Small businesses trading in flammable and combustible goods may have high fire risks as some are located within heavily populated residential areas. These inspections by the Authority will ensure fire safety standards are maintained in all business premises to ensure minimum fire risk and maximum fire safety compliance and protection.

The Authority will conduct fire safety inspections to determine compliance as small and micro enterprises are not immune to fire risks. Small and micro enterprises (‘SME’) have to provide certification from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service that its annual gross turnover does not exceed $500,000.00 to be exempted from paying the inspection fees. If a particular SME does not have the proper certification, they will be required to pay the delegated fees.

Business owners and occupiers of commercial and industrial buildings and vessels are advised to take note of this Public Notice.

Should you require any further clarification or assistance, please contact the NFA Fire Safety & Compliance Department at the NFA HQ in Suva or your nearest Fire Station.

Puamau Sowane

Chief Executive Officer

National Fire Authority