Years of savings gone as Labasa family home razed by fire

Years of hard-earned savings from selling fish parcels went up in flames after a family house was burned to the ground in Labasa on Monday afternoon.

Distraught homeowner Ekari Radaga said life had come to a standstill after her four-bedroom house at Namara, was razed to the ground.

Ms Radaga said her extended family of eight managed to escape with only the clothes they were wearing, losing everything else in the blaze.

She estimated the cost of damage to the house and its contents at $150,000.

“Our plans to celebrate the New Year with family and friends are shattered,” Ms Radaga said.

Ekari Radaga's house was razed to the ground at Namara, Labasa.

Photo: Sampras Anand

The emotional mother of three said she was alerted by a neighbour at around 4pm that her house was engulfed in flames.

“My family was at Damodar City in town shopping when my neighbour called. We rushed home immediately,” she said.

The 49-year-old described the house as her family’s safe haven. They are now temporarily staying at her younger sister’s residence at Vatunibale, Labasa. Ms Radaga is grateful no life was lost.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed the incident; she said investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire.

Ms Radaga expressed appreciation to the director of Kashmir Transport for providing cash assistance and assuring the family that debris clearance would be undertaken.

She has also appealed to the general public, the Government and nongovernment organisations (NGOs) for assistance with building materials, clothing and groceries.

Cause of fire

Ms Radaga said there was a possibility the fire started in the kitchen area; she ruled out arson, saying she had a good relationship with her neighbours.

“For Christmas, I baked pies and distributed them to all my neighbours,” she said.

Her youngest son, Emori Rabaci, said the family hoped to rebuild the house with support from the community and assistance from the public.

“We are awaiting the National Fire Authority (NFA) report and plan to begin construction soon,” he said.

Ms Radaga also raised concerns over what she described as a delayed response by the NFA.

“By the time they arrived, they struggled to control the fire and had to leave to refill water, which hindered their capability to contain the blaze,” she said.

No comment could be sought from NFA.

For those willing to assist, she can be contacted on 9805595.