Three separate fires under investigation as NFA issues warning

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is investigating three separate fires that destroyed homes and a vacant school building, prompting renewed calls for homeowners and property owners to strengthen fire safety and secure vacant buildings.

Among the incidents is the June 23 blaze that extensively damaged a double-storey home on Salusalu Street in Labasa.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the cause of the fire had not yet been determined.

The NFA also confirmed it had received a request for an update on the investigation and would respond once its review was completed.

The fire broke out on June 23, with the NFA's National Command Centre receiving an emergency call through the 910 line at 7.24am.

Firefighters from the Labasa Fire Station responded with two fire appliances and an ambulance, arriving six minutes later to find the house fully engulfed in flames.

Fire crews managed to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to neighbouring properties.

Five people were inside the house at the time, but all escaped without injury.

The homeowner's grandson reportedly raised the alarm after waking to find smoke and flames inside the house.

The property, measuring about 24 feet by 21 feet, sustained an estimated 80 to 90 per cent damage.

The owner, Kanta Prasad, was in Suva when the fire occurred.

His son-in-law, Sam Mudaliar, said the blaze started on the upper level of the double-storey section of the home.

“My elder son was in the house. He saw smoke filling the house and tried to grab a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze, but he was not able to extinguish it,” Mr Mudaliar said.

He said the fire did not start in the kitchen and confirmed his son escaped safely.

The five-bedroom home, comprising a double-storey section and a flat, was valued at about $500,000.

Dawasamu home destroyed

The NFA is also investigating a fire that destroyed a house at Natavileka, Dawasamu, on Sunday while the occupants were attending church.

The National Command Centre received the emergency call at about 11.40am.

Firefighters from Korovou and Nausori found the timber and corrugated iron house fully engulfed in flames.

The fire was extinguished at 12.46pm, preventing it from spreading to nearby properties.

The 20-foot by 18-foot house was completely destroyed, with losses estimated at $50,000. The property was not insured.

No one was injured.

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane urged homeowners to strengthen fire safety measures by switching off electrical appliances, avoiding overloaded power outlets and repairing faulty wiring.

Vacant buildings under scrutiny

The NFA is also investigating a fire that destroyed a classroom block at the vacant Vatuwaqa Primary School in Suva.

The National Command Centre received the emergency call at about 12.30am on Monday.

Firefighters from Valelevu Fire Station found the 15-metre by 10-metre classroom building fully engulfed in flames.

The fire was extinguished at 1.17am, preventing it from spreading to adjoining structures.

The building, owned by the Ministry of Education, sustained an estimated $60,000 in damage. No injuries were reported.

Mr Sowane said fires involving vacant properties were becoming an increasing concern.

“A vacant building is not a harmless building. These properties can quickly become hotspots for illegal entry, vandalism, arson and other unsafe activities,” he said.

The NFA is urging members of the public to report fires or suspicious activity by calling 910.