Residents of Mangu Maharaj Place in Kinoya are praising the quick response by the National Fire Authority to a fire which partially engulfed a corrugated iron home yesterday.

Neighbour, Ashok Kumar was at home with his kids when he heard a loud explosion from the neighbour’s kitchen followed by bellowing thick smoke and fire.

The neighbours told him the kerosene stove had exploded while their daughter was cooking lunch.

“As soon as I heard the explosion I ran outside and saw the flames then I immediately filled buckets of water to put out the fire because it was coming to our side of the house,” Mr Kumar said.

“It was good that I was at home with my mother and kids and did not go anywhere or else our house would have also caught fire.

“We are lucky that no one died in the fire. Everyone is safe.”

The owner of the house was too distraught to talk when approached for a comment.

SABETO FIRE

A farm house belonging to a 39-year old woman was also destroyed in a fire which allegedly spread from a nearby sugar cane field on Monday at Naboutini, Sabeto.

The estimated cost of damage was around $7,000.

Police Spokesperson Ana Naisoro said the occupants managed to escape unharmed and joint investigations with NFA continues.

To date, she said Police has recorded 60 structural fires from January 1st to the 9th of August this year.

Of the 60 fires recorded, nine were classified as either arson, attempted arson or alleged arson cases.

Compared to the same period in previous year from 2019, there has been an average of six to 10 fires reported every month.

“Majority of the fire cases reported to date were as a result of electrical faults or unattended fire hazards,” Ms Naisoro said.

“As seen in past and current trends, the majority of the fires could have been avoided.

“We urge Fijians to be aware of fire hazards in and around their homes.”

When leaving your homes, people are advised to double check fire hazards and turn off all electrical appliances not in use.

Edited by Losirene Lacanivalu

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