EFL Lautoka customer care temporarily operating from Navutu depot

Energy Fiji Limited’s Customer Care Centre at Namoli House in Lautoka will remain temporarily closed following a recent fire incident.

EFL chief executive officer Fatiaki Gibson confirmed today that customer care services will now operate from the EFL Depot at Navutu in Lautoka until further notice.

Meanwhile, the National Fire Authority (NFA) said the fire was successfully contained due to the swift and coordinated response of firefighters.

NFA acting chief executive officer Joel Israel said the fire involved the EFL Customer Care Services, which occupies part of the Namoli House building.

“With favourable weather conditions and the location situated within the established fire boundary, NFA crews were immediately mobilised,” Mr Israel said.

“Firefighters arrived within minutes and encountered heavy smoke emanating from the server room. Recognising the risks associated with enclosed spaces and electrical infrastructure, officers donned breathing apparatus and entered the building to locate the seat of the fire.”

He said suppression operations were carried out efficiently, while ventilation efforts helped disperse smoke and minimise further damage.

Although a nearby fire hydrant was used, low water pressure required additional support, and an F-44 appliance was deployed to maintain an effective water supply. The fire was fully extinguished by mid-afternoon, with crews remaining on site to carry out safety checks.

The building, owned by Popular Furniture, is occupied by Energy Fiji Limited and The Fiji Times.

Mr Israel confirmed the server room sustained extensive damage, but no injuries were reported.

“The first floor of the building, occupied by The Fiji Times, was not affected. Initial assessments indicate damage was largely confined to the server room, with further evaluations ongoing to determine any smoke-related impact,” he said.

Mr Israel stressed the importance of early fire detection and prevention systems in commercial buildings, as required under the National Building Code of Fiji.

“It is vital that commercial buildings are equipped with early fire detection and prevention installations. These systems provide early warning, allowing occupants to evacuate safely and enabling firefighters to respond before fires escalate,” he said.

He also urged business and building owners to ensure their properties are inspected and certified by the NFA and issued with a valid Certificate of Compliance.

“Preparedness saves lives. Employers must ensure staff undergo regular fire safety training and participate in evacuation drills,” Mr Israel said.

Members of the public are urged to report fires immediately by calling 910 at the first sign of smoke or fire.

A formal investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of the fire.