NFA warns against unattended cooking after Nadi kitchen fire

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is warning the public about the growing number of fires caused by unattended cooking after an outdoor kitchen at the Naweicoba Agriculture Research Station in Nadi was destroyed by fire on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters prevented the blaze from spreading to nearby staff quarters, limiting the damage to the outdoor kitchen.

The NFA received a report of the fire at 8.49am and immediately dispatched two fire trucks with 10 on-duty firefighters and two off-duty firefighters to the scene, about 14 kilometres away.

Firefighters arrived at 9.12am to find the corrugated iron and timber outdoor kitchen fully engulfed in flames beside the staff quarters. Crews quickly established a hose line from the appliance's onboard water supply and successfully extinguished the blaze before it could spread further.

The outdoor kitchen, measuring about 6 feet by 11 feet, belonged to the Ministry of Agriculture and was not insured. Damage is estimated at $5,000.

Initial information gathered at the scene indicates firewood cooking had been carried out at about 7pm the previous evening. The occupant was at work when the fire occurred. NFA fire investigators will determine the exact cause of the fire.

National Fire Authority chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the incident was another reminder that unattended cooking remained one of the most preventable causes of residential fires.

"We are deeply concerned by the growing number of fires linked to unattended cooking. Whether you are using a gas stove, electric stove or cooking over firewood, a fire can start and spread in a matter of minutes if it is left unattended."

Mr Sowane urged members of the public not to leave cooking unattended, even for a short period.

"Many people think they can step away for just a minute to answer a phone call, attend to children or carry out another task. Unfortunately, that minute can be all it takes for a small flame to become a devastating fire.

We are urging everyone to remain with their cooking at all times until it is completely finished."

He said simple precautions could prevent significant losses.

"If you need to leave the cooking area, turn off the heat or ensure the fire is completely extinguished before walking away. A moment of distraction can result in the loss of a home, valuable property and, in some cases, lives. We all have a responsibility to make fire safety a daily habit."

The NFA continues to urge members of the public to report fires immediately by calling 910.