Vinay Darsan can only wish that he had enough time to save his wife from her room engulfed in flames and thick smoke. Time was his adversary.

Mr Darsan lost his wife, Aleshmin Pratap, 41, in a fire that destroyed the family’s five-bedroom house on Tuesday in Mullau, Rakiraki.

A devastated Mr Darsan, 42, said everything happened so fast and there was not enough time to save his sleeping wife.

He claimed the fire started from the room where the wife was sleeping in at around 11pm. Still in a state of shock, Mr Darsan said: “We were all asleep at the time the fire started and I was woken up by the smell of the smoke.

“The fire had spread fast, I only managed to wake my two sons. I didn’t have enough time to rescue my wife because there was just too much smoke.

“We lost everything, the only thing we have now is the clothes on our back,” the carrier driver said. Ms Pratap is survived by her husband, and two children – Anay Darsan, 15 and Praany Darsan, 10.

Vinay Darsan (sitting), with a photo of his late wife, AleshminPratap. He is flanked by sons Praany (left), and Anay at theirneighbour’s house in Mullau, Rakiraki, on August 24, 2022.Photo: Nicolette Chambers

National Fire Authority

National Fire Authority chief executive officer Puamau Sowane is pleading with the public to be more vigilant to prevent such incidents.

“I urge all Fijians to adhere to all fire safety precautions and take them seriously. The current dry and windy weather conditions in the Western Division contribute to the quick spread of fire,” he said.

“We need to be aware of our surroundings and ensure that we do not light fires carelessly. We also need to keep a thorough check on our homes and surroundings for any fire hazards.”

NFA is conducting its investigations to determine the cause of the fire and circumstances surrounding the victim.

Feedback: nicolette.chambers@fijisun.com.fj