Family homeless after fire destroys home, businesses

Seven family members are now homeless following a devastating fire that destroyed their two-storey, seven-bedroom home, as well as their shop and Kava Bar, in Malawai, Nadi, yesterday morning.

The commercial property, owned by Abdul Munaf, had been a family business for over 35 years.

His son, Nazil Nabeel, reported that the shop was closed on Saturday night and all family members were asleep when the fire broke out. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

“The fire is believed to have started from the back. My two-bedroom apartment, a shop and Kava bar are all downstairs. Upstairs was our family home with five bedrooms,” Mr Munaf said.

“There is nothing that we could save except the clothes we were wearing. Right now, we are homeless we don’t know where to stay. My parents are at a friend’s place.”

He said the loss was a painful experience.

“We were in tears witnessing all that we have sweated for we all destroyed in the flames,” he said.

He said the cost of damage was approximately more than $100,000.

The National Fire Authority liaising officer has confirmed that their officers had attended the fire and are investigating the cause of the fire. Police have also confirmed an investigation is underway.

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