Three Business Affected Due To Fire In Valelevu

Three businesses have been affected as a result of a fire that gutted a building at Valelevu in Nasinu Road.

The fire started around 5.30pm on Thursday from one end of the building, where the refrigeration workshop is.

Shalvin Lal, director of Auto­matic Fire Systems, the fourth business in the row of shops, was called to the scene at around 5.40pm.

“When I arrived, the fire was just in the first of the offices. There was only one fire truck. And it re­mained only one truck for at least 30 minutes,” Mr Lal said.

“I personally feel that the fire could have been controlled if there were more trucks. The third truck that arrived was a small one.

“Since the time the firefighters arrived at the scene, I had told them that they could access the other offices through my office. This option was taken last.”

Staff members of Automatic Fire Systems helped the fire crew fight the blaze. Mr Lal said his business was largely unaffected and his items were insured. He felt sympathy for the other compa­nies that were affected and their employees.

Nasinu Road resident Jean Singh said it was lucky that the building next door was spared.

“There are many workers in the next building, and Christmas is just around the corner. It would be a sad thing if that would have hap­pened,” he said.

The National Fire Authority have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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