A fire has left seven family members without a home after their two-storey, seven-bedroom residence, along with their shop and Kava Bar, were engulfed in flames in Malawai, Nadi, yesterday morning.
The property, owned by Abdul Munaf, had served as a family business for over 35 years. His son, Nazil Nabeel, stated that the shop had closed Saturday night, and the family was asleep when the fire started. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.
Mr. Munaf described the fire as starting at the back of the building. His two-bedroom apartment, the shop, and the Kava Bar were located on the ground floor, while their family home, which included five bedrooms, was situated upstairs.
He expressed the family’s devastation, noting that they were unable to salvage anything except the clothes on their backs. Currently, they are homeless and uncertain about where to stay; his parents are staying with friends.
Mr. Munaf shared the emotional toll of the loss, saying, “We were in tears witnessing all that we have sweated for being destroyed in the flames.” He estimated the damage cost at over $100,000.
The National Fire Authority has confirmed that their officers responded to the fire and are investigating its cause, with police also conducting an inquiry.