A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking a troubling trend as this is the second such incident in a month. Mohammed Irshad, the homeowner, was in Suva for work at the time of the fire, leaving his wife and two children at home. Fortunately, they were able to escape without injury.
The 31-year-old father expressed his disbelief after receiving the alarming news from his spouse. “The incident happened between 7 am and 7:30 am,” Mr. Irshad stated. He mentioned that he plans to return home soon to arrange for temporary housing while they gather funds to rebuild.
Irshad, who has worked as a lorry driver, lived in the three-bedroom home for eight years. He is currently unsure of the total damage cost, noting that it took years to accumulate their household belongings.
The National Fire Authority confirmed that two fire trucks and nine personnel from the Labasa Fire Station were sent to the site following an emergency call. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, stated that an investigation is underway, and the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.