An elderly man, lost more than $2000 in cash savings, along with everything else at his house in a fire on Monday afternoon.

Ram Naidu, 86, resided with his daughter, Kaushaliya, 65, in their two-bedroom house at Uciwai, Nadi.

Mr Naidu and his daughter could not save a single item as the fire had spread too fast.

Ms Kaushaliya said the fire began in her father’s bedroom at around 4pm.

“I was cutting wood outside when I saw smoke coming out from my father’s bedroom,” she said.

“I rushed in to save him, he is old and cannot hear well. I carried him out and while doing that I burnt part of my right arm and hair.”

They have resided in their humble abode for more than 60 years.

“My father had been saving $1500 and other money from social welfare to support us, but that was all lost in the fire,” she said.

“He kept the money in a tin which he told me to use when he passes on and purchase his other needs while he is still alive.”

They are now residing with other family members in the same area.

Officers from the National Fire Authority were at the scene.

Meanwhile, Police reported that another fire had occurred at Malomalo Village in Nadroga on the same day around 10am.

The fire destroyed a six-bedroom home.

Police said a farmer who passed by the home saw smoke coming out when he alerted the family.
Feedback:  nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj