NFA to probe response delay in Labasa fire incident

Failure in the National Fire Authority (NFA) toll-free line 910 led to an early morning blaze that almost completely destroyed a property in Labasa last month.  

Four flats were burnt, two razed to the ground.  

At the time of the incident, the property owner claimed the firefighters were sleeping resulting in the delay in emergency response time.  

Responding to questions from this masthead weeks later, NFA acknowledged the concerns, saying the matter would be investigated.  

NFA said the issue was referred to the relevant team for review. 

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

Ivaan Khan’s mother owns the property where the fire broke around 1:30AM.  

Mr Khan said he drove to the NFA station himself to alert the crew after tenants could not get through on the toll-free line, which he claimed connected to Suva before redirecting to Labasa. 

NFA said it would provide a comprehensive response once the investigation was complete and all findings are finalised. 

The blaze started in a middle flat, which housed four tenants. They escaped safely. Mr Khan and his family were staying in a flat above. 

"I heard some voices and came outside. I saw my tenants in the garage, and they said the house is on fire," he said. 

As the fire spread, other tenants also evacuated.

Mr Khan said two of his flats were completely burnt while the other two were partially damaged. The NFA arrived and managed to stop the fire. 

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

He said update on the total cost of damage was yet to be provided.