The National Fire Authority is raising concerns about the number of residential fires recently.

Yesterday (Thursday, 4^th February 2021), within a span of 9 hours, a total of 20 people were left homeless after they lost their homes in two separate fire incidents.

 In the first fire incident yesterday, a family of 7 lost their home to a fire at Muana Village in Toga, Rewa.

At 10.52 am, the Nausori Fire Station was alerted of a fire and the fire crew responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire team saw a partially concrete and wooden house fully engulfed in flames. The team quickly used one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

It is believed the fire had started from the back of the house while everyone was in the sitting room.

In the second fire incident yesterday, two families lost their homes after the two flat house they were living in was destroyed by fire at Kasavu in Nausori.

At 7.20 pm, the Nausori Fire Station was again alerted of a fire and the fire crew responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire team saw a partially concrete and wooden house on fire. The team quickly used one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

The first flat housed 6 adults and 3 children while the second flat had 2 adults and 2 children.

On Wednesday, 3^rd February 2021, a fire incident at Siberia Branch Road in Labasa caused the displacement of 15 people after they lost their four-bedroom house to a fire.

At 12.46 pm, the Labasa Fire station was alerted of the fire and the fire crew responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire team saw a corrugated iron and wooden house fully engulfed in flames. The team quickly used one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

It is understood the house was occupied by three families and two occupants were at home when the fire had started.

NFA CEO Mr. Puamau Sowane said that it is so sad to see this happening, particularly during these trying times when people are trying to recover from two major tropical cyclones and floods recently.

“These fire incidents have left people homeless and vulnerable. It is really shocking to see people losing their valuables to fire,” he said.

“These fires could have been prevented if people are careful and take every precaution in and around their homes to prevent such incidents.”

“We cannot take fire safety lightly. We urge all Fijians to take fire safety seriously and ensure their homes are fire-safe,” he added.

“We encourage parents and guardians to closely supervise their children at all times. Small things like keeping matches and lighters away from the reach of the children can help prevent fire incidents”, said the CEO.

“We should take time to check wirings and all electrical appliances that we use in our homes”, he said.  

NFA is calling on all Fijians to be mindful of fire safety at all times. A little extra care and precaution on fire safety can save many years of hard work and memories.

NFA investigations are currently underway to determine the cause of the fire incidents.

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