Unattended cooking caused Baulevu fire that killed five, NFA investigation reveals

The National Fire Authority has confirmed that unattended cooking caused the Baulevu house fire that claimed five lives last month.

Following an investigation, NFA investigators concluded the fire originated in the kitchen area of the home after examining fire patterns, burn damage, fire spread indicators and physical evidence found at the scene.

The investigation found severe fire damage concentrated in the kitchen, identifying it as the point of origin.

A melted cooking pot was found on top of the stove, while a gas cylinder had been displaced because of the intensity of the fire.

The NFA said the findings, together with other physical indicators, confirmed the stove area as the source of ignition.

Information gathered from nearby residents indicated homeowner Shivened Singh had returned home at about 10.30pm after attending a grog session.

Following a full assessment of the evidence, the authority ruled out deliberate fire-setting or arson.

The NFA said it was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and warned that cooking late at night, particularly after consuming alcohol, significantly increases the risk of fatal house fires.

“Fatigue, impaired judgement, and reduced alertness often result in cooking being left unattended or appliances being left on, creating extremely dangerous conditions within the home.”

The authority urged households to avoid cooking when tired or under the influence of alcohol, always switch off stoves and gas cylinders after use, never leave cooking unattended and conduct a final safety check before sleeping.

“These simple actions can prevent devastating and irreversible loss.”

NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane described the incident as a painful reminder of how quickly lives can be lost through preventable actions.

“This incident is deeply concerning and highlights a recurring and preventable risk in our communities. Five lives have been lost in circumstances that could have been avoided with simple but critical safety precautions. We cannot ignore the reality that unattended cooking, especially late at night or after alcohol consumption, continues to take lives,” he said.

“This must be a wake-up call for every household. Fire does not give a second chance. One moment of neglect can lead to irreversible tragedy, and we are once again witnessing the devastating consequences of that reality.”

The NFA extended condolences to the affected families and urged the public to treat cooking safety as a life-saving responsibility within every home.