Workers left fearing job losses after Nadi warehouse fire

Staff at Tri-Dees Spares PTE Ltd say they are worried about their future after a structural fire destroyed the company’s main warehouse in the Waqadra Industrial Area in Nadi yesterday.

Salesperson Rajineel Prasad, who has worked with the company for nine years, said the blaze had left employees uncertain about what lies ahead.

“This place is like my second home. My work here is the bread and butter for my family,” Mr Prasad said.

“We are now uncertain about what is next for us.”

More than 10 staff members were affected by the fire, which gutted the warehouse that also serves as the company’s headquarters.

Tri-Dees Spares is a well-known auto parts supplier, providing motor vehicle parts and accessories to vehicle owners and mechanics across Fiji, with branches around the country.

Despite heavy rain, the fire broke out inside the large warehouse. Firefighters from the National Fire Authority (NFA) responded, supported by Fiji Airports crews using Rosenbauer Panther 6x6 aviation rescue and fire-fighting vehicles.

Joint efforts by responders prevented the fire from spreading to nearby warehouses.

Mr Prasad said witnesses told staff the fire may have started outside the front of the building.

“The office was closed. One of our customers who first saw the fire said it started outside, at the front of the warehouse,” he said.

“There is a 3,000-litre water tank and a generator in front of the building, but the generator was off.”

Another staff member said establishing the cause of the fire could be challenging due to the number of flammable spare parts stored inside the warehouse.

“The cost of the damage could run into millions of dollars. This is a huge loss for the company and for us as staff,” the employee said.

Manager Ashwin Kumar declined to comment in detail, saying he was still in shock.

The NFA and police are investigating to determine the cause of the fire.