Family appeals after fire

Two families in Etatoko, Ba, are appealing for public assistance after losing their home and belongings in a devastating fire on Saturday morning.

What began as an ordinary weekend quickly turned into tragedy for the Kumar family as flames engulfed their home in broad daylight.

For 22-year-old Jashneel Kumar and his sister, the loss has been painful because it is three months after the death of their mother.

“We lost everything—our personal belongings, basic necessities and a brand-new car worth $40,000,” Mr Kumar said.

“This heartbreak comes just three months after we lost our beloved mother. Now, her room and our family home are gone.”

The property housed three flats occupied by Mr Kumar’s father, his uncle’s family, his grandmother, who passed away and another lady.

He was inside the house with his sister when the fire broke out.

“The fire started in my grandmother’s flat. We only realised something was wrong after my dad began shouting from outside to warn us,” Mr Kumar said.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said the property measured about 30 metres by 30 meters and comprised 13 rooms, including eight bedrooms, living areas, a kitchen and bulk storage space. The building was made of concrete, timber and corrugated iron.

The family awaits the NFA’s investigation report.

Mr Kumar questioned the emergency response, alleging that one of the two responding fire trucks arrived without water.

“There are no water restrictions in Ba, so why did an emergency vehicle arrive ill-prepared?,” he said.

“Nearby rivers and creeks were not used. Instead, valuable time was lost connecting to a fire hydrant about 100 metres away while our livelihood burned.”

The family is appealing for donations of food, clothing, toiletries and building materials as they begin rebuilding their lives.

Those wishing to assist can contact the family via M-PAiSA on +679 951 8897 or +679 942 4216, or contribute through their GoFundMe campaign.

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