Former soldier watches family home go up in flames

A former military officer was left devastated this morning as he watched the family home he bought following 30 years of service with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) destroyed by fire.

Lemeki Mau Dokonivalu, 63, lost his two-bedroom concrete house and a vehicle in the blaze at Kara Punja Road in Waiyavi, Lautoka.

The fire broke out at around 6am today.

Mr Dokonivalu served in the RFMF for three decades and was deployed three times to the Middle East, serving in Lebanon and Sinai. He purchased the home in 2020 for his family and now serves as a pastor.

The house was occupied by Mr Dokonivalu, his wife, daughter and six grandchildren.

Mr Dokonivalu said he was preparing lunch for his grandchildren when the fire started.

“I was cooking with our kerosene stove when it fell onto the floor. That was how the fire started. I tried to put out the fire, but it quickly spread because the house was old.

“I quickly told my wife, daughter, and grandchildren to get outside.

“We couldn't save anything. Even our vehicle, which was parked outside, was destroyed by the fire. I only managed to save a basket of clothes.

“I thank God that no one was injured or killed,” he said emotionally.

Mr Dokonivalu estimated the damage at about $100,000.

The family is staying with relatives while they determine their next steps following the fire.

The National Fire Authority responded to the incident and worked to contain the blaze. The cause of the fire has not yet been officially determined.