The National Fire Authority (NFA) attended to a fire incident at Ply Fiji Limited in Korovou early this morning.

A 910-emergency call was received by NFA Suva Control at 2.24 am who dispatched the team from Korovou Fire Station.  The Korovou Fire team immediately responded and upon arrival at the scene at 2.38 am they found the plywood factory fully engulfed in flames.  Supporting teams from Nausori Fire Station also attended this incident.

A total of 16 firefighters and officers attended the fire incident and the fire teams quickly used two deliveries of water from the fire trucks to extinguish the fire, drawing water from the nearest fire hydrant which was located near Ratu Kadavulevu School, 4 km from the fire scene and drafting of water from a nearby creek with support from NFA’s 20,000 liters Fire Tanker. 

Due to heavy fire loading with flammable contents such as plywood and timber prevalent at the site, the fire had escalated quickly and engulfed the factory’s kilns, processing workshop, and administration office. 

The fire team managed to prevent the fire from spreading to the drying section and peeling section which was located at the back of the factory’s processing section.  Also destroyed in the fire were two vehicles that were parked at the factory during the time of the fire.

The firefighters are still at the fire scene extinguishing hotspots at the time of the release of this media statement.

NFA CEO Mr. Puamau Sowane said that it is so sad to see this happen, particularly during these trying times when the global economy has been greatly affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, as we are nearing the festive season of Christmas, some will have no jobs to cater to their family needs and the beginning of school in the new year. It will take time for the company to recover but one thing that stands out is the cruel impact of fire on every property owner when the smoke and ashes settle.

Mr. Sowane said that NFA continues to remind people that fire safety should not be taken lightly and it is everyone’s responsibility to look after their property and keep it fire safe. We urge everyone to be more careful particularly as we are nearing the festive season where a lot of cooking is expected and companies are advised to keep their working environment fire safe.

NFA investigations will soon be conducted to determine the cause of the fire incident.

-End-

 For any further queries, please contact:

Media Officer Ms Anishma Prasad

National Fire Authority, Argo Street, Walu Bay, Suva

Ph: 3312877 Fax: 3100303 Mb: 9984733