NFA warns homeowners after fire leaves seven homeless

Seven people, including three children, have been left homeless after a house was destroyed by fire in Navolau 2 Village in Rakiraki last Friday.

According to the National Fire Authority (NFA), the property belonged to a 42-year-old man who lived there with his wife and children.

The two-bedroom timber-and-corrugated iron house was unoccupied when the fire broke out and was completely engulfed in flames.

The fire displaced four adults and three children.

Firefighters from the Rakiraki Fire Station responded immediately after receiving the report and successfully contained and extinguished the blaze.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane expressed concern about the increasing number of fires occurring in vacant or unattended homes. He said such incidents often remain undetected for longer periods, allowing fires to spread before emergency services are alerted.

Mr Sowane urged homeowners to:

• Switch off electrical appliances when leaving home.
• Repair faulty wiring promptly.
• Unplug unnecessary electrical devices.
• Remain vigilant and report signs of fire immediately by calling 910.

The NFA Fire Investigation Team is conducting a detailed investigation to determine the cause of the fire.