A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second incident within a month. The homeowner, Mohammed Irshad, was away in Suva for work when the fire started. Fortunately, his wife and two children were at home and managed to escape without injury.
Mr. Irshad, 31, expressed his disbelief after receiving the alarming news from his wife. “The incident occurred between 7 am and 7:30 am,” he said. He plans to return home soon to organize temporary accommodation for his family until they can gather the funds necessary to rebuild their home.
Irshad, who has worked as a lorry driver, had lived in the three-bedroom house for eight years. He is unsure of the total damage incurred, but he mentioned it took years to accumulate their household belongings.
The National Fire Authority reported 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, confirmed that an investigation has commenced, although the cause of the fire has yet to be determined.