Take preventative measures to minimise fire risks, NFA urges

National Fire Authority Acting Chief Executive Officer, Joel Israel is urging members of the public to take preventative measures to minimise fire risks.

“With ongoing celebrations tied to the festive season, we’re committed to long hours in church, at weddings and come home tired and straight to bed," he said.

"We’re pleading with all heads of households to ensure everything is in place and your families are safe before calling it a day.

“These checks must ensure that coils are placed on non-flammable surfaces away from curtains and flammable liquids and substances must be stored in safe spaces.

"Members of the public should turn off lights and electrical appliances when not in use. These may be simple things, but they ensure fire safety and reduce fire hazards.

“We also urge members of the public to develop an escape plan within their homes and teach their children how to avoid fires and what to do in case of a fire.”

Navutu, Lautoka fire investigation underway 

NFA investigators have started work, looking into the cause of the fire at Navutu Village, Lautoka, that destroyed a 4-bedroom house belonging to a 58-year-old paster with Cross Over Ministry.

It caused $200,000 worth of damages.

The incident happened at 3.07am on Sunday (28th December 2025) which displaced six people.

NFA said that officers at the NFA Command Centre in Suva alerted the duty crew at Lautoka Fire Station about the incident.

"The duty crew responded immediately with two fire trucks and eight firefighters, arriving at the scene at 3:53 am to find the corrugated iron and timber house fully engulfed in flames."

"Initial on-site investigations found that the house owner’s 30-year-old daughter-in-law woke up in the middle of the night and noticed flames in one of the bedrooms. She then alerted other family members."

Feedback: zalika.a@fijisun.com.fj