The Northern Division experienced its first fire incident of 2025 during the early hours of New Year’s Day. A four-bedroom home in Waiqele, Labasa, was completely consumed by flames while homeowners Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad were on holiday in New Zealand. They received the distressing news from a relative while abroad.
The couple’s caretaker was away for the New Year celebrations, leaving the residence unattended when the fire broke out around 3 am. Ms. Devi expressed her gratitude to their neighbor, who promptly alerted the National Fire Authority (NFA). Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, fire crews worked tirelessly to suppress the blaze, utilizing a single water tank and a damaged hose.
The fire resulted in significant destruction, damaging two vehicles and partially affecting two vans. The couple suspects arson, having previously faced threats and an attempted break-in at their nearby shop. Ms. Devi expressed hope that law enforcement will act swiftly to hold those accountable for these incidents.
The estimated damage from the fire is around $250,000. Nevertheless, the family remains optimistic about recovering from this tragedy. They have filed a police report and are confident that authorities will uncover the truth, aiming to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
In response to the fire, the NFA’s CEO, Puamau Sowane, conveyed sympathy for the family and highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of fire hydrants and water sources in the area, which complicated firefighting efforts. He urged residents living outside urban areas to exercise extra caution because of the distance to fire stations.
The Acting Divisional Police Commander for North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that an investigation is underway, pending a report from the NFA to guide their next steps.
This unfortunate incident reminds us of the importance of community vigilance and the effective response of neighbors and emergency services in times of crisis. The couple’s determination to seek justice and their gratitude for community support exemplify resilience in the face of adversity.
In summary, while the fire has caused significant distress and damage, the community’s response and the couple’s proactive steps give hope for justice and recovery, underscoring the strength found in community bonds during challenging times.
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