A fire broke out at John Wesley College in Suva on Friday morning, resulting in significant damage to the school’s technical vocational classrooms and staff room. The blaze, which started around 10 am, destroyed several key facilities, including the technical drawing room, science lab, and home economics room. Fortunately, there were no students present in the affected areas at the time, as the school is currently in its examination period.
National Fire Authority (NFA) officers responded swiftly to the fire, supported by police who assisted in the evacuation of staff and students. However, NFA CEO Sowane Puamau expressed regret that more rooms could not have been saved, citing the delayed arrival of some fire tankers as a contributing factor. He emphasized the importance of fire safety and prevention measures in educational institutions.
Most of the equipment in the damaged classrooms was lost, which raises concerns about the impact on the school’s vocational training programs. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro visited the scene and discussed the incident with the school principal. He highlighted the importance of learning from such accidents and proposed introducing fire safety education to students. Additionally, he ensured that there will be no disruption to classes next week, as the school will make necessary adjustments to accommodate the situation.
This incident, while unfortunate, presents an opportunity for the school to enhance its safety protocols and reinforce the importance of fire education among students. The resilience shown by the school community in the face of adversity indicates a commitment to maintaining a positive learning environment despite the challenges ahead.
Overall, while the fire caused substantial damage, the swift response from emergency services and the proactive measures being implemented by school officials and the Ministry of Education suggest a hopeful path forward for John Wesley College.
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