A family of seven is in urgent need of assistance following a fire that destroyed their home last Friday in Belego Settlement, Savusavu. Homeowner Naren Chand, 59, reported that at the time of the fire, his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren were inside the house.
“I was away in Dreketi managing our business when I received the tragic news around 7:30 pm,” Mr. Chand recounted. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but his children believe it might have originated from an electrical wiring fault in the ceiling, which led to the flames spreading through the walls.
Mr. Chand noted that his daughter had recently constructed a flat to accommodate her family closer to them. He expressed the emotional toll of the loss, stating that he had spent over 20 years building their home, storeroom, and car park, along with his wife. “We worked tirelessly to furnish our home. We started from nothing,” he said.
He emphasized the urgent need for support to rebuild their house and assist his grandchildren with their schooling, as they have lost everything. The grandchildren are currently enrolled at Savusavu Secondary School and Khemendra Central School. Mr. Chand estimated the damages to be around $400,000.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that investigations have begun, and thankfully, there were no casualties reported. This incident marks the second residential fire in the Northern Division this month, with the first occurring in Qelewaqa, Labasa on September 14.