A second home in Vunivau, Labasa, was destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second incident in just a month. Mohammed Irshad, the owner of the house, was in Suva for work when the fire occurred. Fortunately, his wife and two children were at home but managed to escape without injury.
The 31-year-old father expressed his shock upon receiving the distressing news from his wife. “It happened between 7 am and 7:30 am,” Mr. Irshad said. He plans to return home soon to arrange for temporary accommodation until funds can be raised to rebuild.
Irshad, who works as a lorry driver, had lived in the three-bedroom house for eight years. While he is uncertain about the total damages, he noted that it had taken years to accumulate their household items.
The National Fire Authority confirmed that two fire trucks and nine officers were sent from the Labasa Fire Station after the emergency call. Divisional Police Commander North, Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, stated that an investigation is underway, and the cause of the fire is still unknown.