A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second incident of its kind within a month.
The homeowner, Mohammed Irshad, was away on business in Suva when the fire occurred. Fortunately, his wife and two children were at home but managed to escape without injury.
Mr. Irshad expressed his shock upon receiving the alarming news from his wife. “The fire broke out between 7 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.,” he recounted. He stated that he would be returning home shortly to arrange for temporary accommodation while they seek funds to rebuild their home.
Having lived in the three-bedroom residence for eight years, Irshad, who works as a lorry driver, was uncertain about the total damage but noted that it had taken years to accumulate their household belongings.
The National Fire Authority reported that two fire trucks and nine officers from the Labasa Fire Station responded to the emergency. The Divisional Police Commander for the North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined.