Twelve individuals in Nadi are facing homelessness as they begin the year 2026, following the destruction of their homes in two separate fires on Boxing Day. The first incident involved a father and son, Arveen and Arnav Kumar, residents of Carreras in Votulevu. They awoke to find flames engulfing a neighboring house around 8:26 AM.
Fifteen-year-old Arnav recounted the harrowing experience, stating, “I quickly woke up my father who was still asleep in the house. I don’t know how the fire started but all I know is it came from the next house.” Fortunately, the family from the adjacent home managed to escape unharmed, but the Kumars were unable to retrieve their belongings before the fire spread. “We did not want to risk going back inside,” Arveen Kumar, a mechanic, shared, expressing uncertainty about their future. He relied on his home-based small business for income, and the loss has left him in a particularly vulnerable position. The family is currently waiting for police investigations to conclude before attempting to salvage what they can from their destroyed home.
In a separate incident across town, a family of ten returning home from Boxing Day festivities found their Nawejikuma residence in Nawaka completely burnt down. Police reported that the house was unoccupied when the fire broke out around 8:30 PM, with damages estimated at $80,000.
The National Fire Authority’s acting CEO, Joel Israel, voiced deep concern regarding the series of fires. “While we are relieved that no injuries were reported, the loss of a home is significant and deeply concerning, particularly during this time of year,” he noted. Mr. Israel emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness and responsible behavior, as incidents like these underline the devastating impact of fire on families’ lives.
The tragic events serve as a reminder of the critical need for fire safety education and awareness, especially during festive seasons when mishaps can easily occur. Community members are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
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