Sabeto couple escape blaze with only clothes on backs

An elderly Sabeto couple escaped safely after a fire destroyed their newly built home and vehicle, leaving them with only the clothes they were wearing.

The house fire happened on Tuesday evening.

Ashika Devi said her parents, Ashok Kumar, 73, and Saras Wati, 68, were preparing to leave for prayers at a temple when the fire broke out at their three-bedroom home.

Ms Devi said the fire started in one room before quickly spreading through the house.

“My parents escaped quickly,” she said.

“Only the clothes they were wearing were saved. Everything else was completely destroyed, including their vehicle.”

She said her father wanted to run back into the house to retrieve some clothing, but neighbours stopped him.

The home was built in 2022.

“They were taken to hospital after the fire, but we are thankful to God that despite everything being destroyed, my parents are safe,” Ms Devi said.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said firefighters responded immediately after receiving the report and managed to contain the blaze.

The authority estimated the damage at 100 per cent, with costs yet to be determined.

Mr Kumar and Ms Wati are now staying with Ms Devi.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said structural fires were increasing.

“We are witnessing an alarming increase in structural fires. Many of these incidents can be prevented through better awareness and safe practices at home,” Mr Sowane said.

“The NFA is once again urging the public to remain vigilant, especially when using electrical appliances, cooking equipment and open flames,” he said.