Fire destroys vocational training classrooms
NFA chief executive officer Sowane Puamau admitted that his officers would have saved more rooms if the tankers had arrived ‘early’.
Saturday 16 November 2024 | 12:33
Firefighters try to control the fire at John Wesley College, Raiwaqa, Suva, on Novermber 15, 2024. Photo: Ronald Kumar
A fire destroyed John Wesley College’s technical vocational classrooms and a staff room on Friday morning.
The fire which began around 10 am destroyed the technical drawing (TD) room, science lab, home economics room and a staff room.
The school is located along Grantham Road in Suva.
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When this masthead arrived at the scene, National Fire Authority officers (NFA) effortlessly battled the blaze while police officers assisted teachers with evacuating students.
There was no class in progress when the fire broke out as it is currently the school examination period.
NFA chief executive officer Sowane Puamau admitted that his officers would have saved more rooms if the tankers had arrived ‘early’.
“Unfortunately most of our tankers arrived a bit late and we could have saved most of the building but we managed to save the computer lab,” he said.
“This is what I have been emphasising in terms of fire safety,” Mr Puamau said.
Mr Nazid assessed the fire and took everyone by surprise as the building was not occupied.
He said most of the science, home economics and TD equipment have been destroyed.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro at John Wesley College on November 15, 2024. Photo: Beranadeta Nagatalevu
At midday, Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro visited the school where he was briefed by the school principal.
“When accidents like this happen, it will always be a learning turf, that is something we addressed with the head of schools,” Mr Radrodro said.
“To also consider bringing in fire experts to teach the students on fire mitigation strategies.
“Have the National Fire Authority identify the resilience of the building in terms of its safety standard.”
Mr Radrodro said the fire will not disrupt any classes next week.
“We got the assurance from the head of school that things will continue as normal,” he said.
That is the building that is used for TVET programmes, may be the internal examinations will be adjusted accordingly, that is at the discretion of the head of school.”
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