Fire destroys car wash and tyre centre in Lautoka

A car wash and tyre centre at Delai Saweni, Lautoka, was destroyed in a fire on Monday evening, with the National Fire Authority (NFA) saying the structure and its contents sustained an estimated 100 per cent damage.

No injuries were confirmed in the incident, which occurred after workers had left the premises.

The Lautoka Fire Station received a call from the National Command Centre at about 5.30pm on August 17, and two fire appliances with nine firefighters were dispatched.

Firefighters arrived at about 5.41pm and found a six-foot by three-foot corrugated iron shed with wooden structural walls fully engulfed in flames.

Crews used water from the appliances to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas. Three tank supplies were used before firefighters refilled from a hydrant about 50 metres from the scene.

The estimated cost of the damage is yet to be determined.

Worker alerted by neighbours

Preliminary information gathered by the NFA indicated that a worker had finished work at about 5.06pm and returned to his nearby residence.

He was later alerted by neighbours that the Car Wash and Tyre Centre premises was on fire and immediately returned to the scene.

The property owner was reportedly in Sabeto, Nadi, attending a funeral at the time.

The NFA said attempts to contact the business owner had been unsuccessful because his mobile phone was switched off.

‘Fire can develop rapidly’

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the incident highlighted the importance of businesses having adequate fire prevention and early detection measures.

“While our firefighters were able to contain and extinguish this fire and prevent it from spreading, the structure itself sustained 100 percent damage. This is a reminder that a fire can develop rapidly and cause significant losses within a very short period of time,” Mr Sowane said.

He urged businesses and members of the public to ensure electrical systems, appliances, flammable materials and other potential fire hazards were properly managed.

Mr Sowane also encouraged businesses and property owners to install smoke alarms.

“Smoke alarms can provide an early warning, particularly when a fire starts when no one is present or when people are asleep. Early detection can provide valuable time to respond, evacuate safely and alert emergency services,” Mr Sowane said.

“Fire safety is a shared responsibility. Business owners must take proactive steps to reduce fire risks, install appropriate early detection systems such as smoke alarms, and ensure that workers know what to do in the event of a fire. Members of the public must also immediately report any fire or suspected fire by calling the National Emergency Number 910,” Mr Sowane said.

The NFA will investigate the cause and circumstances surrounding the fire.