In the early hours of New Year’s Day 2025, a four-bedroom home in Waiqele, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire, marking the first fire incident reported in the Northern Division of the year. Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad, the homeowners, were away in New Zealand with family during the holiday period when they received the unfortunate news from a relative.
Their caretaker was off for the holiday, and the couple expressed gratitude towards their neighbor, who promptly alerted the National Fire Authority (NFA) about the incident. Despite facing challenges due to limited resources—in particular, a single water tank and a damaged hose—the fire officers displayed commendable efforts in trying to control the flames.
The incident resulted in significant destruction, leading to the loss of two vehicles and partial damage to two vans. The couple suspects arson, citing a history of threats, stone-throwing, and an attempted break-in at their nearby shop. They expressed hope that authorities would act quickly to hold those responsible accountable.
While the estimated damages are around $250,000, Mr. Prasad and Ms. Devi remain optimistic. They have already filed a police report and trust that the authorities will thoroughly investigate the situation and work to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
Puamau Sowane, chief executive officer of the NFA, expressed sympathy for the family and highlighted the difficulties firefighters faced due to the lack of fire hydrants and water sources in the area. He underscored the necessity for residents outside urban areas to take extra precautions given the distances involved.
Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway and is awaiting the NFA’s report to determine subsequent actions.
This unfortunate event not only highlights the risks posed to homeowners, especially in areas with inadequate fire safety resources, but also emphasizes the strength of community ties and the importance of vigilance. With the support of local authorities and investigations underway, there is hope for justice and future prevention efforts that will ensure safety in the community.
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