85-year-old woman dies in Vusuya house fire

An 84-year-old woman has died after being trapped inside her family home during a fire at Vusuya, near Nausori, early Sunday morning.

The blaze, reported at 2.09am, quickly engulfed the double-storey concrete house, leaving the elderly woman unable to escape. Her death is the fifth fire fatality recorded in Fiji this year.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said crews from Nausori and Nakasi responded, but despite their efforts, could not save the elderly woman.

A family member said they were woken by a loud noise in the kitchen and saw flames spreading rapidly.

“We tried our best to save our grandmother but the fire spread so rapidly that thick smoke and darkness stopped us from getting into her room to save her,” a family member said.

"We tried our best before leaving the house but we all just couldn't get to her room because of the thick smoke and the fire spreading rapidly."

The 63-year-old homeowner remains admitted in hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation.

The victim was the mother of the homeowner, who lived in the house with his wife and daughter.

The property sustained 90 per cent damage, with losses estimated at $200,000.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane described the incident as tragic.

“This is a very sad and tragic situation. Our deepest condolences to the family,” he said.

“This involves proper use of matches, mosquito coils, smoking cigarettes inside homes must stop and storing flammable items in a safe place,” he said.

Fire investigations are continuing.

Those willing to help could contact mobile number: 9094448