Three fire incidents in two days, one dead

Why can’t we all preach to our family about the negative impact of fire if we are not too careful about it?

National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer Puamau Sowane raised a critical question yesterday, expressing concern over the escalating trend of house fires across the country and the resulting loss of lives.
He said the authority had conducted awareness campaigns to the highest level possible, but it still wasn’t enough. Another life was lost in Tailevu on Monday, following the tragic death of a family in Nadi last week.

“I believe that if we are to seriously clamp this down, every family must make it a culture when they sit together as a family during morning and evening prayer session, fire safety must be a topic of discussion,” Mr Sowane said.

“I say this because innocent lives have been perished by home fires. If I am to be very honest, unwanted fires that resulted in the loss of lives and properties is an outcome of our own negligence.”

He said it was not accident because accidents could be avoided. He further stated that accidents do happen when people are not careful. He revealed that electrical fault still remains the highest causes of fire in Fiji.

Moreover, he said arson was now the second highest and unattended cooking is the third highest.

Nausori

An 18-year-old boy tragically lost his life after being trapped inside his bedroom during a house fire on Monday.

Police reported that the fire broke out at the teen’s home in Nakaile Stage 3, Wainibokasi Road, Nausori.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 4.47am, where they found a four-bedroom corrugated iron and timber house completely engulfed in flames.

Despite firefighters’ swift response and efforts, the victim was trapped inside the home prior to the brigade’s arrival and could not be saved.

Mr Sowane extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and the Nakaile community.

"“The National Fire Authority extends its deepest sympathies to the family affected by this devastating tragedy. The loss of a young life is a heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly fire can destroy and how critical it is to remain vigilant at all times particularly during the early hours of the morning when families are most vulnerable," Mr Sowane said.

Lautoka

Mr Sowane confirmed that the Lautoka Fire Station received a call from an individual through NFA National Command centre at 8:29am about a grocery shop belonging to Shiu Prasad’s and Sons at Natabua on fire.

He said upon arrival the officers noticed a single structure consisting of corrugated iron roofing and concrete walls with two flats and a shop was fully engulfed in flames.

“There was no injury and an investigation will be carried out to determine the cause of fire,” Mr Sowane said.

Taveuni

On Monday between 4am to 5am, a family of 11 members lost their two-bedroom house at Solove Settlement in Taveuni.

One of the family members, Akeneta Sokomuri said the whole family including three babies aged one year six months, one year eight months and four-month-old had to rush out with whatever clothes they had on.

“My mother unfortunately burnt a mosquito coil in the night inside a room and we suspect this is the cause of the fire,” Ms Sokomuri said.

“However, we are grateful that no one died including my two boys and my sister’s baby.”

Currently, they are seeking shelter at their neighbour’s place. Anyone willing to assist this family can contact Ms Sokomuri on mobile number 8430540.

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