As parts of Fiji experience heavy downpours and flooding, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is cautioning members of the public to have an evacuation plan in place should the need arise and to secure their properties well before leaving their homes.

With the New Year just hours away, NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane said a five-year analysis by the Authority identified the festive season as a time when residential fires usually peaked.

“While the analysis shows that residential fires so far this month have been the second lowest in the past 5 years, the month and year have not ended and we are appealing to members of the public to practise fire safety awareness and prevention,” he said.

The latest fire so far this month occurred on Christmas Day at Daya Street, Vatuwaqa, Suva.

At 11.38pm on Christmas Day, the NFA Command Centre received a call on the 910-emergency line from a member of the public reporting the residential fire. 

The duty crew at Suva Fire Station responded immediately with 2 trucks, a utility vehicle and 11 firefighters and, on arrival at the scene at 11.46pm, found 1 house burnt down to the ground and the second house fully engulfed in flames.

The fire crews immediately established 2 deliveries of 2 lengths from their tank supply and by 1.41am they extinguished the fire with support from a nearby hydrant.

Both lean-to houses were 2 metres apart, were not insured, sustained extensive damage and were completely destroyed.

One house belonged to a retired police officer and no details on occupancy could be obtained. 

The second house belonged to an unemployed woman and had 10 occupants (7 adults and 3 children. 

The woman told officers at the scene that she was grateful no one was injured, and she managed to save some personal items and her children’s clothes.

The investigation has been completed and the report is being finalised.

 Mr Sowane said in the Western Division firefighters are busy helping the municipals council in cleaning and clearing flood debris and is cautioning members of the public in flood prone areas to be alert on weather bulletin and move to higher grounds or evacuation centers provided by NDMO. Immediately call 910 should they require assistance during any emergency.

“It is sad to see people lose their lives and homes during the festive season, which supposed to be a time of joy and celebration,” he said.

“We are asking members of the public to take precautions because the month of December is usually a month when we experience a rise in residential fires.”

Mr Sowane said NFA figures showed a rising fire trend in December for the past 5 years.

“Our analysis shows that from 2019 to 2023, in the month of December alone, there were 90 residential fires across the country. These fires caused $11.6 million in damage,” he said.

“There were 19 fires in 2019, 10 in 2020, 19 in 2021, 21 in 2022 and 21 in 2023. So far this month, with one day left before the New Year, there have been 11 fires across the country.

“As we head towards the New Year, the NFA is urging members of the public to be vigilant, stay safe, and to enjoy the festive season responsibly with their families and loved ones.”

Mr Puamau Sowane

Chief Executive Officer

National Fire Authority of Fiji

-ENDS-