Supervise children with firecrackers: NFA

National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer Puamau Sowane has issued an urgent safety warning as Diwali approaches, urging parents to ensure children playing with firecrackers are supervised at all times.

Speaking to this masthead yesterday, Mr Sowane stressed that firecrackers must not be aimed at rooftops, as this is where fires often start.

“During this Diwali, they must celebrate responsibly and ensure that all the children that are playing around with firecrackers, be supervised and ensure that they don’t aim the rooftops of any other, because that is where fire started,” Mr Sowane said.

“We recommend that we put them in an open space where there is very less housing.”

The warning comes amid an escalated increase in fires around the country, including Monday’s tragic house fire at Mulomulo, Nadi, which claimed the lives of a young couple and their two-year-old son.

Mr Sowane also advised parents to keep matches in safe places where small children cannot reach them.

“Be responsible. Look after their children. Make sure that their children don't play around with matches,” he said.

Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Sivendra Michael echoed the safety concerns, personally discouraging the use of fireworks.

“I think it can be a quite dangerous activity. I mean, personally, I don’t engage in it,” Mr Michael said yesterday.

“I would also welcome parents to consider the cost implications and where that funding can be rediverted to.

“But obviously, it’s a religious occasion and it’s an occasion to celebrate. It’s the festival of lights, so just do it responsibly.”