The National Fire Authority (NFA) attended to a fire emergency call in Martintar Nadi last night that destroyed a three-bedroom house and claimed the life of a 6-year-old girl. 

At 9.11 pm, the Nadi Fire Station was alerted of the house fire and responded immediately. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire team found the house fully engulfed in flames. The fire crew quickly used one delivery of water from the fire truck to extinguish the fire to locate a six-year-old victim that was trapped in one of the bedrooms of the house.

The fire crew fought hard and managed to control the fire but it was very unfortunate that the life of a six-year-old was lost in the fire. The fire had spread quickly to the whole wooden structure within minutes and destroyed it. The house was occupied by a couple, their two sons, granddaughter-in-law and her two children. It is understood only the wife of the owner of the house, her granddaughter-in-law and her two children were home when the fire started. 

NFA CEO Mr. Puamau Sowane says NFA is saddened by the loss of a life in the fire and greatly sympathizes with the family for their loss.

It is sad that a life was lost in the fire last night. It is my humble plea to all Fijians to start taking fire safety seriously and keep a check in and around their homes for any fire hazards,” he said.

“NFA keeps reminding all Fijians of fire safety but we have come across many fire incidents that are caused by negligence of people.”

According to statistics recorded by the NFA, from January this year to date, a span of six months, a total of 55 structural fire incidents have been recorded, of which 5 are commercial and 50 are residential.  

“The number of residential fires is a great concern for NFA. Fires impact people, properties and the environment. The losses in a fire are extraordinary, causing deaths, widespread damage to property and household contents. We cannot imagine the pain of losing everything to a fire, including the lives of our people,” he said.

“Many of us have become very complacent and think that it can never happen to us– but we all need to re-think and change and ensure that our homes are fire safe,” he said.

“I urge all Fijians to identify all hazards that could start a fire in your home or ensure that all precautionary measures are taken to prevent a fire from happening and this is the best action everyone can take,” he added.

The National Fire Authority urges all Fijians to be alert of 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.

NFA is working with the police to conduct its investigations to determine the cause of the fire and circumstances surrounding the fire victim. 

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