Two die in Nakasi house fire as NFA urges ‘get out, stay out’

Get out and stay out.
That was the urgent reminder from the National Fire Authority (NFA) after two people lost their lives in a devastating house fire in Nakasi on Friday night.

The fire destroyed a double-storey residential building along Matana Street, prompting a large emergency response.

The NFA said it received a call at about 8.33pm reporting the blaze. Fire crews from the Nakasi, Nausori and Suva fire stations were immediately dispatched and arrived at the scene at 8.50pm to find the building fully engulfed in flames.

A total of 13 firefighters worked to bring the fire under control, with the blaze extinguished at about 11.04pm.

A subsequent search of the building confirmed two fatalities. The NFA said the affected family, who were home at the time of the fire, were in shock and were being supported by authorities. The authority has requested that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.

The concrete and partially wooden structure, which was occupied by six people, has been declared a total loss.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is now under investigation. The cost of the damage has not yet been assessed.

Acting NFA chief executive officer Joel Israel described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and loved ones affected by this devastating incident,” Mr Israel said.

“Our firefighters displayed immense courage and professionalism in confronting an intense blaze.”

Mr Israel said the tragedy was a reminder of how quickly fires could spread and the importance of acting immediately.

“A fire can spread in minutes, leaving very little time to escape,” he said.

“Our message is simple — get out and stay out. Do not go back inside for possessions. Once you are out, stay out and call emergency services from a safe location.”

The NFA has urged households to review their fire safety practices, including installing and maintaining smoke alarms, having a home escape plan, and remaining vigilant, particularly in kitchens and around electrical wiring.

The authority said further information would be released once investigations were completed.