Thirteen (13) people have been left homeless after a fire incident occurred at Vatoa Road in Narere.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) was alerted of the house fire at 12.21 am and the fire team from the Nakasi Fire Station responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene at 12.26 am, the fire team found the double-flat house fully engulfed in flames. The team quickly used one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire. The firefighters fought fiercely and were able to control the spread of the fire to other adjacent buildings during the operation.

The fire had started from the bottom flat which was occupied by the tenants and further spread to the top flat occupied by the home owner.

It is believed that everyone was asleep when the fire had started. 

According to NFA statistics, this is the fourth fire incident this month adding up to 99 fire incidents so far this year. This month alone, 28 people have been left homeless as a result of these four fire incidents.

From the month of January to November, a span of 10 months and 11 days, the total cost of damage due to these fire incidents is estimated to $6 million and NFA sympathizes with the grieved and homeless families for their loss.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Puamau Sowane reminds the members of the public to be very vigilant with fire safety in and around their homes.

“We cannot be complacent about fire safety. If you notice broken wires or old wires, wire insulation drying out, loose switches or receptacles and overheating, or circuit breakers tripping, immediately call a qualified and licensed electrician to get your home wiring checked,” he said.

“Getting a qualified and licensed electrician costs money but investing in one can save you thousands of dollars and life-time memories that you have in your homes,” he said.

“Since school children are home and we are approaching the festive season, be alert while you cook in the kitchen and ensure to supervise children and keep matches and lighters out of their reach.”

The National Fire Authority urges all Fijians to be alert with their surroundings and immediately call the toll-free fire emergency number 910 if they see any suspicious smoke or fire before attempting to put it out, so that firefighters can respond in the quickest time possible.

The NFA will be carrying out its investigations into the fire incident to ascertain the cause.

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