National Fire Authority warns after Boxing Day house fires

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is urging Fijians to inform neighbours or family members before leaving their homes, even for short periods, following three Boxing Day fires that caused an estimated $75,000 in damage.

Acting NFA chief executive officer Joel Israel said investigations showed a worrying pattern, with the affected houses vacant at the time the fires broke out.

“The NFA urges members of the public to alert their neighbours and families if they are leaving home, even for a short period,” Mr Israel said.

“We are finding that a number of houses catching fire are vacant at the time of the incident.”

The fires on December 26 affected families in Nawejikuma Settlement in Nawaka, the Tavua Police Barracks and Lomolomo Village near Lautoka.

In Nawaka, a two-bedroom home belonging to a 56-year-old carpenter sustained about 95 per cent damage.

The property, home to a family of 10, was vacant when the fire broke out at about 9.56pm.

At the Tavua Police Barracks, a flat belonging to a 34-year-old police officer was about 70 per cent destroyed.

His daughter returned home to find the upstairs rooms on fire and alerted her father, who was inside the flat.

In Lomolomo Village, a house belonging to a 54-year-old villager was completely destroyed.

Her daughter-in-law and four-month-old grandson were living in the home.

Mr Israel also urged the public to switch off unused power points, electrical appliances, Christmas lights and gas cylinders when leaving home or before going to bed.

“Finally, we urge members of the public to call 910 at the first sign of a fire and never attempt to put the fire out yourself,” he said.