Solo mum joins fire service, dedicates achievement to son

Ulamila Ratulevu, 23, a single mother of a three-year-old boy, was among 28 probationary firefighters at the National Fire Authority (NFA) firefighter recruit graduation in Walu Bay, Suva yesterday.

“My graduation as a probationary firefighter is dedicated to my son,” Ms Ratulevu said.

“It is not easy to be a single mother, but I always try my best to be there for him.”

Ms Ratulevu, who was raised at the then Pacific Harbour Fire Station, said the five-week bridging course, where recruits trained in fire suppression, rescue techniques, breathing apparatus use and ladder drills, was physically and mentally demanding. She was the only woman among 27 men.

Her advice to other women considering the profession: “Be mature, be wise, have courage. This is not the end of life being a single mum.”

Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa officiated at the ceremony and said the graduates would be deployed to stations across Fiji currently facing manpower shortages.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the 28 officers had served as auxiliary, or volunteer-based firefighters, for up to three years before completing the bridging course to qualify as probationary firefighters.

Minister for Housing Maciu Nalumisa handing over the new car keys to National Fire Authority manager fire safety and compliance Joel Israel on May 13, 2026.

Photo: Kaneta Naimatau

New vehicles to curb delays

Three new NFA inspection vehicles were also commissioned during the ceremony to address transport shortages that have slowed fire safety compliance checks for businesses nationwide.

One vehicle will be stationed in Suva, while two will be based in Lautoka. Before the commissioning, the entire Central Division had only one dedicated four-wheel-drive vehicle shared among more than 10 inspectors and fire investigators, each responsible for more than 40 businesses and inspection sites.

Under Fiji’s SABS online system, the NFA processed 6,517 of 6,817 applications in 2025, a 96 per cent completion rate.

The system is a Government platform through which businesses must obtain mandatory approvals, including fire safety sign-off, before they can legally operate.

Officials said improving the five-working-day turnaround target remained a priority.

“In the past years, there is something that has always hindered their productivity, because they don’t have any vehicles to move them around,” Mr Sowane said.