Fire Destroys Gardener’s House
The youngest of six siblings, Mr Prasad said this was his parents’ house and all his childhood memories and belongings were destroyed.
Sunday 16 February 2025 | 07:48
The remains of Dharmendra Prasad’s (inset) house at Waiqele, Labasa after it caught fire on February 14, 2025. Photo: Shratika Naidu
It was a sad day yesterday for a school gardener who lost his home and belongings in a fire.
The man, visibly upset, claimed that the lack of water in the taps had prevented firefighters from responding effectively to the emergency.
On Wednesday night Dharmendra Prasad of Waiqele, Labasa went to the bathroom to have his shower at around 10.30pm.
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The 41-year-old man said when he came out; he saw the bedroom and kitchen engulfed in flames.
“I was shocked and couldn’t save my house because there was no water as someone had allegedly closed the water meter,” Mr Prasad said.
“When I went outside the house to check, it was like someone had poured benzine around the house that within few minutes everything was on fire.”
The youngest of six siblings, Mr Prasad said this was his parents’ house and all his childhood memories and belongings were destroyed.
“I don’t know the estimated total cost of the damage because I spent so many years collecting things slowly for the house,” he said.
He thanked his neighbours and the heads of Waiqele Primary and Waiqele Secondary Schools for reaching out to offer help.
He is currently staying at his uncle’s house near the school and can be contacted at 2827693 for any form of assistance.
Investigation
National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the house was located outside the fire boundary and 15 kilometres away from Labasa Fire Station.
“We continue to advise homeowners to be careful when they are in and around their homes,” Mr Sowane said.
“We all know what can start a fire and they should be vigilant in maintaining fire safety,” he said.
He confirmed that the fire officers attended to the fire call, the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu confirmed that they had received the report and investigation was continuing.
This is the second house fire incident this week in Labasa and fifth case for the Northern Division this year.
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