A home filled with lifelong memories was reduced to ashes in an inferno last Saturday morning.

A farmer Ram Prasad, 76, of Nakavika, Ba, is still contemplating the future of his family after their eight bedroom corrugated iron and timber house was completely destroyed during the incident at around 11am.

Mr Prasad said his family house had memories which he would have cherished throughout his life.

He said the house, which he built more than 30 years ago, was a result of years of hard work on his 24-acre farm.

“Seeing my house burn down in front of my eyes is the most painful experience of my life,” he said.

“We are still trying to come to terms with the incident and it’s very difficult to imagine that we now don’t have a proper shelter over our heads.”

Mr Prasad said he was in a room when he saw smoke coming from the next room.

“When I went to find out it was too late as fire was spreading really fast; I was lucky to save my own life. Neighbours rushed to help but it was too late.”

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that house was completely destroyed with its contents.

“The cause of fire yet to be ascertained and the estimated cost of damage is $80,000; luckily there was no causality,” Ms Naisoro said.

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