Son's quick action saves mother as fire destroys family home in Nadi

A young boy's quick action may have saved his mother's life when he woke her after noticing smoke coming from a bedroom as a fire engulfed their home at Navakai Housing in Nadi on Wednesday.

Mother of six Mereisi Autiko, 49, was asleep with her youngest son after sending the rest of the family to school and work when the fire started.

“I had taken blood pressure tablets and took a nap after sending everyone to school and work. While I was sleeping, my son woke me up saying there was smoke coming out of the room,” Ms Autiko said.

Realising there was a fire, she attempted to put it out before it spread.

“I quickly tried to wet the blanket and put it on the fire, which had just started, but by the time I wet the blanket, the fire had escalated on the walls of the bedroom, and suddenly the whole bedroom was on fire.”

As the flames intensified, Ms Autiko called for help. “I shouted and called for help, then one of the neighbours came and dragged us out of the house.”

The family escaped unharmed, but about 85 per cent of their one-bedroom concrete house was destroyed.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) estimated the damage at about $70,000.

The family of eight has now been left homeless and is staying with neighbours after losing most of their belongings in the blaze.

Support has come from relatives, church members and Nadi Muslim School, who have provided clothes, food and financial assistance.

Ms Autiko said the house held special significance for the family.

Originally from Navoci Village, the family had spent years improving the home, which was first built by her father-in-law and later renovated by her husband.

The Nadi Fire Station received an emergency call at 9.22am and arrived three minutes later with two fire trucks, 11 firefighters and ambulance personnel.

An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

NFA message

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the incident was a reminder of the continuing threat posed by structural fires.

“It is concerning that structural fires continue to occur and leave families facing significant losses, including the loss of their homes and personal belongings. While our firefighters remain committed to responding quickly and containing fires, prevention must remain our first line of defence,” he said.

Mr Sowane said 111 structural fires had been recorded around the country as of the end of July.

“We urge families to take fire safety seriously by ensuring electrical appliances and wiring are maintained, cooking is never left unattended, and children are kept away from matches, lighters and other sources of ignition.”

He also encouraged homeowners to consider insurance where possible to lessen the financial impact of disasters.