The National Fire Authority is investigating into three fire incident that has left 3 separate families homeless in Lautoka.

The NFA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Puamau Sowane is showing great concern and is saddened by the cruel impact of three fire incidents on the families affected.

In the first fire incident early this morning, a three-bedroom corrugated iron and timber house was destroyed at Natabua Seadside in Lautoka. The NFA received a 910-emergency call at 2.15 am to inform of the fire incident and the fire team from Lautoka Fire Station responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the team found the house fully engulfed in flames. The firefighters quickly established one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

It is understood that the house was vacant at the time of the fire incident. 

In the second fire incident, a two-bedroom corrugated iron and timber house was destroyed at Barara Flat Lomolomo in Lautoka yesterday. The Lautoka Fire Station was informed of the fire incident at 2.40 pm and the fire team responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the team found the house fully engulfed in flames. The firefighters quickly established one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire.

In the third fire incident, a two-flat corrugated iron and timber house and a hybrid car was destroyed at Lovu Seaside in Lautoka yesterday. The Lautoka Fire Station was informed of the fire incident at 11.14 am and the fire team responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the team found the house fully engulfed in flames. The firefighters quickly established one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire and stop its spread to other houses few meters away.   

It is understood the house was rented to two families and a total of five people have been left homeless after the incident.

CEO Sowane says most residential fire incidents occur when homes are vacant and this is a great concern to NFA.

“If you are thinking of leaving your home vacant, check all electrical appliances, and ensure that they are turned off before you leave your home.  Turn off your TV set, water heaters, unplug from the wall switch. If you notice that your circuit breaker continues to trip, please call a licensed Electrician to have it,” he said.

 Always engage a licensed Electrician to carry out your electrical works at your home,” he added.

“I urge the public to identify fire hazards in your homes and get help from the team at your nearest fire station.

“As we also near the festive season, there will be increased gatherings and cooking involved. I urge the public to take the necessary precautions while cooking. Always monitor your cooking and supervise children to avoid any mishaps,” he said.

“We are always here to help and we urge the public to adhere to all precautionary measures and avoid such incidents from happening,” he added.

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 incidents to ascertain the causes.

-END-