23 Home Fires So Far

This year has witnessed a concerning surge in residential fires, totalling 23 incidents so far.

This has resulted in extensive damage - 90 per cent to be exact - to homes across various locations nationwide from January 1 to February 7.

This equates to, on average, at least three home fires a day.

In stark contrast, the same period in 2023 saw a significantly lower count of only 14 residential fires, totalling $559,000 in damages.

In 2022, for the same period, there were nine residential fires and one commercial fire, with estimated cost of damage tipping the $1.1 million mark.

The National Fire Authority of Fiji, under the leadership of chief executive officer Puamau Sowane, disclosed that the estimated cost of damage from these 23 incidents in 2024 amounts to a staggering $1.8 million, with 84 individuals displaced as a result.

Firefighters attending to residential fire at Dravuni St, Lautoka. Photo: National Fire Authority

In light of these alarming occurrences, Mr Sowane stressed the critical importance of prompt notification to the fire services, urging the public to use the emergency line (910 tollfree) at the first indication of fire.

He emphasised the need for swift action to enable firefighters to mitigate damage and safeguard lives and property.

Furthermore, he repeated the importance for households to uphold stringent fire safety measures, cautioning against the storage of flammable items alongside regular household belongings, which could exacerbate fire hazards.

Mr Sowane said the gravity of such incidents highlighted the potential for fatalities.

However, he was grateful for the absence of loss of life this year.

He called for sustained vigilance and strict adherence to fire safety protocols to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of communities.

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