Prayer area suspected in fire that leaves 11 homeless in Nadi

Eleven people have been left homeless after a house fire destroyed a four-bedroom home in Legalega, Nadi, on Friday night, with preliminary investigations indicating the blaze may have started in a prayer area.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said Nadi Fire Station received an emergency call at about 7.50pm reporting that a neighbouring house was fully engulfed in flames.

Firefighters responded with two fire appliances, 11 on-duty firefighters, two off-duty firefighters and ambulance personnel.

When crews arrived at 8.05pm, they found the semi-concrete and corrugated iron home fully engulfed.

Firefighters immediately began operations to stop the fire spreading to nearby properties and contained the blaze by 9.08pm before carrying out overhaul and hotspot extinguishment operations.

The property belongs to 62-year-old Latchmi Ram, who was at home with his daughter and two grandchildren when the fire broke out. Also living on the property was tenant Seremaia Seru and his extended family.

All occupants escaped safely without injury.

Mr Ram was taken to hospital after experiencing breathing difficulties and stress-related symptoms following the incident.

According to preliminary information gathered at the scene, the fire may have originated in a prayer area inside the house. However, the exact cause remains under investigation.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the incident highlighted the need for caution when using candles, diyas, incense sticks, oil lamps and other open flames during prayers and religious activities.

"This fire is particularly concerning as preliminary findings suggest it may have started in an area dedicated to prayer and worship. While places of prayer hold significant cultural and spiritual importance, they can also pose a fire risk if open flames are left unattended or placed too close to combustible materials."

"We are urging families to remain vigilant and ensure that all candles, diyas, incense sticks, and oil lamps are completely extinguished before leaving a room or going to sleep. A moment of oversight can result in the loss of an entire home and place lives at risk."

Mr Sowane said the NFA continued to attend incidents that could be prevented through greater awareness and simple fire safety practices.

The authority is urging members of the public to never leave candles, diyas, incense sticks or oil lamps unattended and to ensure all open flames are extinguished before leaving a room or going to sleep.

A fire investigation will determine the exact cause of the blaze.