National Fire Authority (NFA) is raising concerns on the recent number of fire incidents occurring despite numerous reminders on fire safety.

NFA CEO, Mr. Puamau Sowane said it is alarming to see so many fires occurring. Despite many reminders, people are still not taking fire safety seriously and it is our request to you all to please adhere to fire safety in and around your homes.

Mr. Sowane raised his concerns when a fire incident early this morning left 9 people homeless.

At 4.45 am today, the Nadi Fire Station was alerted of a fire incident and the fire team responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene at 4.49 am, the fire team saw a house hosting three-flat on fire.  The fire team quickly used two deliveries of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

The firefighters fought hard to stop the fire from spreading to three adjacent houses which were three to four meters away.  It is believed, the two flats destroyed in the fire were vacant whilst the third flat was occupied by a family of nine.  People inside the third flat were able to escape to safety before the fire had spread and destroyed their flat.

Mr. Sowane said, it is sad to see that a family has lost their home and belongings in the current trying times. “The situation involving the Corona Virus (COVID-19) is unprecedented and to lose everything in a fire during these trying times is just brutal.

Mr. Sowane also reminds the public that when a fire incident occurs, it not only affects the owner of the property destroyed in a fire but it also threatens the properties and lives of people who live nearby.

“A fire threatens everyone’s lives and properties and we should be mindful of our neighboring homes and properties when it comes to fire prevention. We need to take extra precautions and ensure fire safety measures are observed in and around our homes.

“We should never be complacent with Fire Safety; we can prevent fires from destroying our homes and properties and even lives by taking extra precautionary measures to ensure fire safety he added.

NFA urges the public to call on the toll-free fire emergency number 910 if they see smoke or any fire so that the firefighters can reach in the quickest time and save your properties.

 Fire investigations are underway to determine the cause of the above fire incident.

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