Early-morning fire destroys Navutu Village home, six left homeless

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is investigating an early-morning fire that destroyed a four-bedroom home in Navutu Village, Lautoka, leaving six people homeless.

The estimated cost of damage is about $200,000.

The fire started at 3:07 a.m. on Sunday, December 28, after the NFA Command Centre in Suva alerted the Lautoka Fire Station duty crew following an emergency call.

Firefighters responded immediately, deploying two fire trucks and eight officers. They arrived at 3:53 a.m. to find the corrugated iron and timber house fully engulfed in flames.

Crews acted swiftly, using two hose lengths from their tank supply to prevent the blaze from spreading to nearby homes in the densely populated village.

The fire was brought under control by 4:06 a.m., narrowly avoiding further destruction.

The home was owned by a 58-year-old pastor from the Cross Over Ministry.

Initial investigations revealed that the homeowner’s 30-year-old daughter-in-law woke during the night and noticed flames in one of the bedrooms.

Her quick response in alerting other family members ensured everyone escaped safely.

No injuries were reported; however, six family members have been displaced, marking a devastating end to the festive season for the household.

NFA investigators are working to determine the cause of the fire.

Acting NFA chief executive officer Joel Israel used the incident to renew calls for increased fire safety awareness, particularly during the festive season when families often return home late from church services, weddings, and celebrations.

“We are well into the festive season, and we urge members of the public to take preventative measures to minimise fire risks,” Mr Israel said.

“With ongoing celebrations, families come home tired and go straight to bed. We are pleading with all heads of households to ensure everything is in place and your families are safe before calling it a day.”

Mr Israel stressed the importance of placing mosquito coils on non-flammable surfaces away from curtains, safely storing flammable liquids, and switching off electrical appliances and lights when not in use.

“These may be simple actions, but they play a critical role in ensuring fire safety and reducing fire hazards,” he said.

He also urged families to develop home escape plans and educate children on fire prevention and what to do in emergencies.

The NFA continues to urge the public to remain alert and proactive, warning that fires can occur within minutes but leave lasting consequences for affected families.