National Fire Authority (NFA) investigators will start work soon to look into the circumstances surrounding the fire that destroyed 3 houses at Cunningham Stage 1, Suva, yesterday morning (Saturday, 25^th January, 2025).

At 07.36am, the NFA Command Centre was alerted about the fire by a member of the public on the 910 emergency toll-free line.

The duty crew at Suva Fire Station immediately responded with 2 trucks and 8 officers, followed by a ladder rescue truck and ambulance.

On arrival at the scene at 7.45am, the crew saw a house in the informal settlement on fire and immediately established 1 delivery of 1 length from their tank supply.

By 9.42am, with officials from Energy Fiji Limited (EFL), Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) and the Fiji Police Force in attendance, the NFA Command Centre was informed that 3 houses – built from timber and corrugated iron – were on fire and the fire crews had finally managed to extinguish the fire.

The first house was completely destroyed with the cost of damage set at $60,000, the second house sustained 80% to 90% structural damage with the cost of damage set at $60,000. The two houses were vacant at the time of the fire.

The third house sustained 100% structural damage with the cost of damage estimated at $120,000. Four adults and a year-old infant were in the house when the fire occurred and they all managed to escape unhurt.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane it was disheartening when people continued to lose their homes to fires, even when the Authority was stepping up its fire safety awareness and prevention campaigns around the country.

“This fire comes at a time when our children are preparing to go back to school next week and in a densely-populated area such as an informal settlement where houses are built very close to each other,” he said.

“The spacing between homes in informal settlements are without any standards, which is why fire spreads easily and very quickly to adjacent homes. 

“Fortunately, no lives were lost during the incident.

“We advise homeowners and occupants to practice fire safety precautions in and around their homes. This includes doing simple things such as storing flammable items and liquids in a safe space, placing lit mosquito coils on non-flammable surfaces and putting out lit candles before going to bed. Such actions can prevent unwanted fires.

“We also urge the public to call 910 in case of a fire or emergency, so our firefighters have a fighting chance to save lives and properties.”

Mr Puamau Sowane

Chief Executive Officer

National Fire Authority of Fiji

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