The National Fire Authority (NFA) is calling on business owners, especially eatery proprietors, to ensure that flammable items likely to cause a fire are stored properly in a safe space.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane cited the importance of fire safety in high-risk businesses, such as restaurants, and urged eatery owners to ensure their staff receive fire safety training.

His comments come in the wake of a fire at Aosen Food Takeaways at Fletcher Road, Nabua, on Sunday (6th April, 2025).

At 1.57pm, the NFA Command Centre was contacted by a member of the public via the 910 emergency toll-free line, reporting a structural fire at the eatery.

The duty crew at Suva Fire Station responded with 2 trucks and 8 officers and arrived at the scene at 2.04pm to find a well-involved fire at the eatery.

They immediately set up 1 delivery of 2 lengths and dividing breeching and managed to extinguish the fire.

The concrete structure with corrugated iron roof sustained 80% damage, with the cost of damage estimated at $100,000.

Initial investigations point to the cooking area at the rear of the eatery as the likely starting point of the fire.

Fire investigators will start work soon to determine the probable cause of fire.

Mr Sowane emphasizing the need for fire safety training for people employed in the eatery business. 

“High-risk businesses such as restaurants require staff to be prepared to handle fire emergencies,” he said. 

“The training ensures that staff know what to do in the event of a fire, potentially preventing further damage and ensuring safety.”

Mr Sowane highlighted a few fire incidents involving eateries, which caused massive damage.

“In August last year a fire that started in an eatery at the Jaduram Building in Labasa, causing $7 million worth of damage. At the Hilton Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau, Nadi, a fire almost destroyed their storeroom,” he said.

“These two fires clearly demonstrate the dangers posed by such fires and the extent and cost of damage they can cause.

“The NFA's mission is to preserve life, property, and the environment through community education, disaster and emergency risk reduction. We urge eatery owners to exercise caution and fire safety to ensure the sustainability of their businesses.”

Mr Puamau Sowane

Chief Executive Officer

National Fire Authority of Fiji

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