A family in Vunivau, Labasa, recently experienced the devastating loss of their home, which had taken 45 years to build, as it was consumed by fire last Friday night. Prasheel Naicker, 27, reported that his father, grandmother, and uncle were at home when the fire erupted. He noted that had the National Fire Authority (NFA) responded more swiftly, they might have salvaged some of their belongings.

According to Mr. Naicker, the fire originated from their prayer room and quickly spread to the roof of the house. Local residents, including two boys passing by, noticed the flames and alerted his family. Mr. Naicker attempted to notify the NFA and even visited the local fire station to expedite their response.

Tragically, this incident marks the second house fire in the Northern Division within two weeks, the first occurring on New Year’s Day in Waiqele, Labasa, where significant damage was reported. In both cases, the families lost everything, highlighting a concerning trend of residential fires in the region.

Mr. Naicker expressed his frustration at being unable to save any possessions, with damages estimated at around $200,000. Currently, his family is staying with relatives as they process this loss. Investigations into the fire are ongoing, with the police and NFA confirming their involvement.

The repeated incidents of house fires serve as a stark reminder of the need for improved fire safety measures and community vigilance. Puamau Sowane, CEO of NFA, has previously emphasized the difficulties faced by firefighters, particularly due to inadequate water sources and the need for residents, especially those living in rural areas, to be more cautious.

As this community grapples with these tragedies, there is hope for positive change. Enhanced fire safety protocols and greater awareness can help prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future. The resilience shown by families affected by these fires illustrates a strong community spirit, fostering support and unity in times of crisis.