A family in Waila, Nausori is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating fire that razed their home on Friday evening. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. while the family was attending a local prayer session. They suspect the fire may have been intentionally set following a suspected break-in, as items were found scattered outside the house, indicating a possible theft.
Hari Ram, the head of the household, expressed his fears about the situation, stating, “We believe someone broke into our house and then started the fire.” The family, having lived in the community for over 30 years, is now left homeless and taking shelter with a neighbor while they navigate this difficult period.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the blaze, but the loss of their property has left the Ram family anxiously awaiting responses from the authorities, who have begun an investigation into the cause of the fire. Local police and fire officials arrived promptly after the incident was reported and are currently gathering information to determine what transpired.
This unfortunate event resonates with other recent fire incidents in Fiji, particularly in the Northern Division, where two house fires occurred within a short span. A family in Vunivau, Labasa, lost their home valued at approximately $200,000, following a similar incident. Investigations into these fires highlight the critical need for improved fire safety measures and community support to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Residents across affected regions are encouraged to maintain vigilance and report any suspicious activity to their local police stations, fostering a community-oriented approach to safety.
As families like the Rams cope with the repercussions of these tragedies, there is hope that their unwanted experiences will initiate discussions about improved fire safety measures and community preparedness, ultimately leading to a more secure environment for all. The display of resilience and support among community members stands as a beacon of hope in these trying times, urging a concerted effort towards better safety protocols.
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