The National Fire Authority (NFA) is currently investigating the fire incident that destroyed 5 houses and left 22 people homeless at Wrong Turn Street in Sakoca Settlement yesterday.

Preliminary investigations into the incident reveal that the incident is a suspected case of arson and the suspect is in Police custody.

The Valelevu Fire Station attended the fire incident after they received a 910 call at 11.10 am yesterday. Upon arrival at the scene, the fire team found four (4) lean-to houses fully engulfed in flames and the fire spreading to the fifth house. The fire team from Suva Fire Station also responded to support the Valelevu fire team at the scene.

With no water supply from the fire hydrants due to water restrictions in that area, the fire team utilized their water tank supply to quick extinguish the fire.  The intensity of the fire and windy conditions at the time of the incident caused the fire to spread quickly. The firefighters fought hard against windy conditions to stop the fire from further spreading and managed to save houses which were a few meters away from the burning house.

NFA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Puamau Sowane sympathizes with the families for the loss of their properties especially under the current conditions.

The total cost of damage due to the fire incident yesterday has been estimated at $240,000 and the cost of attending to the fire incident has resulted in NFA incurring a cost of approximately $6345.70.

“We urge every Fijian to be vigilant with fire safety in and around their homes. This incident in Sakoca was very unfortunate, particularly with the upcoming festive season.

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