People film fires before calling NFA

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is calling for prompt action from members of the public when it comes to reporting fires.

The NFA said people took to social media first to post fire incidents, instead of calling for help from authorities.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said despite heightened awareness campaigns, the advice to the public had been “falling on deaf ears.”

“We still see people go live on social media before calling us,” he said after two major fires destroyed three homes and a business on Tuesday.

He said the fire which destroyed a car yard at Vatuwaqa, Suva, was spotted after 6am, but NFA’s Command Centre received the emergency call at 6.38am.

“Every minute a fire burns, it doubles in size, which is why I am making this plea,” Mr Sowane said.

“Call us first so we can respond in time, contain a fire and stop it from spreading.”

The delay in reporting meant the Vatuwaqa warehouse fire had already become well-involved by the time firefighters arrived at the scene.

Mr Sowane stressed that despite NFA’s extensive use of media platforms to promote the 910 emergency number, people were still not prioritising the free service.

“We continuously ask members of the public to call 910, our toll-free emergency line, at the first sign of a fire,” he said.

Mr Sowane urged business owners to install alarm signaling units that automatically notify the NFA Command Centre at the first sign of smoke or flames.

“Our firefighters continuously emphasise fire safety measures, but still these are not adhered to,” Mr Sowane said.

Both fires resulted in significant property damage with investigations now underway to determine exact causes.

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