A family in Vunivau, Labasa, experienced a heartbreaking loss when their home, valued at $200,000 and built over 45 years, was destroyed by fire last Friday night. According to 27-year-old Prasheel Naicker, his father, grandmother, and uncle were inside the house at the time of the incident, which occurred while he was out in Labasa Town with relatives.

The fire reportedly originated from the family’s prayer room and quickly spread to the roof. It was two passersby who first noticed the flames and informed the family. Naicker expressed frustration over the delayed response from the National Fire Authority (NFA), suggesting that a quicker reaction could have potentially allowed for the salvage of some belongings.

In his attempts to alert the NFA, Naicker made multiple phone calls and even rushed to the local fire station to encourage a prompt response. Sadly, these efforts did not lead to timely assistance, and the family’s possessions, built up over decades, were completely lost. They are currently staying with relatives as they begin to cope with their devastating situation.

This fire marks the second significant incident in the Northern Division within two weeks, following a similar catastrophe on New Year’s Day in Waiqele, Labasa, where a home was also entirely consumed by flames. In that instance, homeowners Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad were away on holiday when their property was destroyed. The NFA has been criticized for its response times during both events, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding fire safety and emergency response in rural areas.

Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that investigations into both fires are currently underway. The repeated occurrences have sparked discussions on the need for better fire safety measures and resources for rural communities. They emphasize the critical importance of community vigilance and improved fire response capabilities to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The resilience of the affected families serves as a reminder of the strength found in community support during times of adversity. While their losses are profound, there is hope for reinforced safety measures and infrastructure improvements, fostering a safer environment for all residents.