On Christmas morning, a house fire broke out in Carreras, Votualeu, located approximately 10 kilometers from the Nadi Fire Station and outside the designated fire boundary. Fortunately, no injuries were reported; however, it was noted that the property owner and a tenant were consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Joel Israel expressed sympathy for the affected family and emphasized the critical importance of fire safety and responsible behavior. The National Fire Authority announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the fire’s cause.
The house, owned by a 58-year-old mechanic, suffered severe damage, with estimates indicating about 80 percent destruction and financial losses approximating $80,000. Unfortunately, the property was uninsured, impacting three family members involved.
The National Fire Authority received the report at 8:39 AM, leading to a rapid response from the Nadi Fire Station, which dispatched two fire appliances and nine firefighters. Upon arrival, emergency crews found a three-bedroom concrete house fully engulfed in flames, which posed a significant risk to adjacent properties. Firefighters acted quickly, utilizing multiple hose lines to contain and extinguish the blaze, thereby preventing further damage to the surrounding area.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance during festive times, urging families to prioritize fire safety as they celebrate.
Leave a comment