National Fire Authority (NFA) has completed investigations into the fire incidents that occurred at Kalokalo Crescent Road in Makoi and at Koroniva in Nausori on Tuesday, 20^th September 2020.

Fire investigations into the first incident that destroyed a two-bedroom house at Makoi revealed that the fire had started from a powerpoint in one of the bedrooms in the house.

It was revealed that the owner of the house detected a burning odor in the house and upon checking saw a powerpoint and a radio on fire.

Investigations into the second fire incident that destroyed a six-bedroom house and a car revealed that the fire had started from a powerpoint wire in one of the bedrooms.

The home owner’s wife was outside the house when she heard an explosion and upon checking, she found that one of the bedrooms in the house was already on fire.

NFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr. Puamau Sowane said it is sad that both families lost their assets and belongings in the fire which could have been avoided.

“Fires starting from power points and overloading of powerpoint indicate that people do not take precautions or do regular checks of their wiring and electrical appliances in homes.

“NFA has been reminding the public on the importance of taking precautions around the home to avoid electrical-related fires. People should start being more vigilant and serious about fire safety,” he said.

“Electrical fires can be caused by broken or old wires, from wire insulation drying out, loose switches or receptacles, overheating or overloading of power points. Homeowners and business owners should always look out for these hazards in homes and workplaces to prevent any electrical related fire incidents”, he added.

To prevent mishaps in homes, the NFA is advising the public to look out for warning signs like faulty wiring, flickering lights, circuit breakers that regularly trip, fuses that blow, a burning smell when you plug in appliances, outlets, switches that spark, and discolored wall outlets.  

CEO Sowane says 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.

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