A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second incident of its kind within a month. Mohammed Irshad, the owner of the home, was in Suva for work when the blaze occurred. Fortunately, his wife and two children, who were at home, were able to escape without injury.
Irshad expressed his shock after being alerted by his wife about the fire. “It happened between 7 am and 7:30 am,” he said. He mentioned that he would be returning home soon to arrange for temporary accommodation while they seek funds to rebuild their lives.
The 31-year-old lorry driver had lived in the three-bedroom house for eight years and stated that the damage was incalculable, as it took years to gather their household belongings.
The National Fire Authority responded to the incident by sending two trucks and nine officers from the Labasa Fire Station following the emergency call. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander North, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.