NFA findings still pending four months after Labasa fire

The National Fire Authority (NFA) has yet to release the outcome of its investigation into a house fire in Labasa, four months after the incident.

In a recent email, the NFA confirmed it had received questions from this newspaper and said a detailed response would be provided once its internal processes were completed.

The fire, reported through the NFA's toll-free emergency line, 910, gutted four flats in Labasa in February this year. Two flats were completely destroyed, while the remaining two sustained partial damage.

At the time, the property owner alleged that a delayed response by firefighters contributed to the extent of the damage, claiming emergency calls were not immediately effective.

The NFA later confirmed that the matter had been referred for internal review, with findings still pending.

"Our team will look into the concerns raised and provide a response in due course," the authority said.

The property belongs to the mother of Labasa resident Ivaan Khan.

Mr Khan said he drove to the fire station to alert firefighters after tenants were unable to get through on the toll-free line, which he claimed initially connected to Suva before being redirected to Labasa.

The fire started in a middle flat occupied by four tenants, all of whom escaped safely. Mr Khan and his family were living in a flat above.

"I heard voices outside and went out. I saw my tenants in the garage and they told me the house was on fire," he said.

As the fire spread, other occupants evacuated the building.

Mr Khan said two flats were destroyed while two others were partially damaged. Firefighters later managed to contain the blaze.

"I accept the response was a bit late and they could have arrived earlier, but they successfully put out the fire," he said.