51 years of memories reduced to ashes in Lautoka blaze

Fifty-one years of memories were destroyed in minutes after a fire engulfed a Lautoka family home last Sunday.

For Sanjay Sen, 51, the fire at 52 Hollander Street was not just the loss of a house; it marked the end of a lifetime spent under one roof.

“The house was built by my father in 1974, and we moved in 1975. It has been 51 years in that house. I have spent my whole life there,” Sen said.

The three-bedroom, double-storey home had sheltered two generations.

On Sunday morning, as Sen prepared lunch downstairs and his 80-year-old mother prayed upstairs, flames tore through the centre of the house.

“My mother called me when the fire started. We managed to get her out safely, but we lost our cat, which was like our daughter. I don’t have any children; my pet was like my child,” he said.

While no family member was injured, Sen said the emotional toll had been worsened by online speculation.

“People are saying I burnt my house for insurance. They don’t know what families go through.

“The house was insured when it was built for about $160,000 or $170,000. Building that house cost more than $350,000.

“It was our home. It held a lot of memories, and it is really heartbreaking to see all these comments in the midst of this loss,” he said.

The National Fire Authority of Fiji confirmed it received the emergency call at 9.30am.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Joel Israel said firefighters arrived within six minutes to find the upper floor fully engulfed in flames.

“The fire was successfully contained at 10.06am. Early reporting by neighbours contributed significantly to preventing further spread and potential loss of life,” Israel said.

He stressed the importance of working smoke alarms and evacuation plans, particularly for elderly residents.

“We strongly encourage families to ensure that working smoke alarms are installed and regularly tested, and that clear evacuation plans are in place. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and preparedness can make the difference between life and tragedy,” he said.

A full investigation is under way to determine the cause of the fire, which left behind ashes and 51 years of memories that no insurance policy can replace.