Man Saves Child And Assets From Morning Blaze

Peniasi Cama’s act of bravery helped save lives and assets from a block of houses along Padam Lala Place in Namadi that caught fire yesterday.

A grateful neighbour described him as a ‘man of hope’.

Mr Cama, 28, took a five-year-old girl out of the house while the mother carried her three-month-old baby to safety.

He drove their car out as the fire spread to the fences which were less than a metre away.

“I first worked on saving things from the burning house before I moved the neighbour’s car out as well,” he said.

Mr Cama had also selflessly en­tered a burning house to check if the woman occupant was inside.

Fortunately, she was not.

Mr Cama then took out belongings he could save then jumped out of the house the moment he saw the fire making its way towards the neighbour’s house.

“The fire spread so quickly that I became so worried for the neighbours and ran out,” he said.

“I saw children on the other side and that prompted my response.

“It was fortunate the firemen arrived in time to douse the flames.

“I risked my life to make sure people I know are saved. I have lived here for most of my life and these are people I see every day.”

Mr Cama lives just a few blocks away from the burnt house. He alleges the incident happened after 9am.

Grateful neighbour

The house next door belongs to Rajnesh Prasad, He was grateful for Mr Cama’s actions who saved his in-laws.

Mr Prasad was trying his utmost in putting out the fire when Mr Cama sprang into action, jumping to the rescue to help his neigh­bours.

Together they ensured that no one got injured.

“We saw smoke, but we thought it was from them burning rubbish the previous night.

“We later saw the smoke coming from the kitchen so we made our move,” Mr Prasad said.

“That person is a good man because he risked his life. I thank him for his act of bravery.”

Owner distraught

Five adults and two children occu­pied the space.

The distraught owner could not comment at the time.

Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro, confirmed the inci­dent and said joint investiga­tions were underway with the National Fire Authority.

Feedback: josefa.babitu@fijisun.com.fj