Fire safety standards must extend to villages, says Northern fire officer

National Fire Authority (NFA) Northern Divisional Fire Officer Ilisoni Qica has highlighted the need for improved fire safety planning in rural and maritime communities, including greater separation between houses and access to secondary water sources.

Speaking during consultations on the Public Health Amendment Bill at the Civic Centre in Labasa yesterday, Mr Qica told the Standing Committee on Social Affairs that fire officers continue to face significant challenges during emergencies such as house fires, particularly in villages outside town boundaries.

He said most villages do not have access to fire hydrants, unlike areas within municipal limits.

“They have rivers and streams but there is no access like the fire hydrants available within the town boundary,” Mr Qica said.

He urged the committee to consider including villages more comprehensively in fire safety discussions under the proposed legislation.

Mr Qica also recommended that minimum fire safety standards be enforced in rural housing developments, including the requirement for vetted house plans before construction.

“Minimum fire safety measures must be practised and we recommend villages to have their house plan before constructing and get it vetted by agencies for recommendations,” he said.