Two lives lost in separate house fires

Two people have died in separate house fires in Navolau Number 1, Rakiraki, and Vusuya Village, Nausori, leaving families and communities devastated.  

Navolau fire

The villagers of Navolau Number 1 are still in shock after witnessing the tragic death of 26-year-old Iliesa Ulutegu in his home on Thursday night.

Ulutegu, a diver by profession, is believed to have been trapped inside his house during a fire incident. It is alleged that he had been cooking a meal on a gas stove when he fell asleep.

Deceased Iliesa Ulutegu.

Photo: Supplied

National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the Rakiraki Fire Station received a report from a member of the public about the fire, and the brigade responded immediately with two appliances and five duty officers. 

He said upon arrival at 11.43pm, brigade noticed that a three-bedroom corrugated iron and timber house was destroyed by fire. 

"Brigade immediately established a delivery of 2 x 64mm and 1 x 38mm hose from tank supply and managed to control the fire. During firefighting, officers were informed by some bystanders that a 26-year-old male was trapped inside the house."  

He said the brigade managed to locate the victim.

The victim had sustained burns to 90 per cent of his body.

Mr Sowane added that police officers from the Rakiraki Police Station were also present at the scene and had requested that the area be cordoned off.

 He said the three-bedroom house belonged to a retired police officer.   

"The deceased was alone in the house during the time of the incident. Information gathered that other family members were currently away in Suva."  

Mr Sowane said the estimated damage to the structure was 95 per cent and estimated cost yet to be determined.   

 "The fire investigation will be carried out to determine the suspected cause of fire. It is very sad to learn of the loss of another family member and our condolences to the family," Mr Sowane said.  

Vusuya fire  

In a separate incident, a fire in Vusuya Village, Nausori, claimed the life of one person yesterday morning, leaving a family of four shattered.

The blaze broke out around 9.15am, destroying a small tin house. Neighbours watched helplessly as flames quickly engulfed the home before firefighters could arrive.

Resident Susana Waisele, who lives nearby, said that they had only been in the area for about two months.  

“We don’t know them very well. All we saw was smoke and fire, it was terrible,” Ms Waisele said.  

Another neighbour, who wished not to be named, said he knew the family personally and confirmed the blaze started in the morning. 

“It happened so fast. The fire spread before anyone could help. It’s very sad,” he said. 

The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed. Police and the NFA are investigating the incident. Authorities are also working to formally identify the victim and contact relatives. 

 By mid-morning, the charred remains of the house stood as a grim reminder of the tragedy. Villagers gathered to comfort the surviving family members and offer prayers.

“It’s heartbreaking. One moment they were just living their normal life, and the next, everything was gone,” Ms Waisele said.