A family of seven is in need of assistance after their home was engulfed in flames last Friday at Belego Settlement in Savusavu. Naren Chand, 59, the homeowner, shared that at the time of the fire, his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren were present in the house.
Mr. Chand was away in Dreketi managing his business when he received the alarming news around 7:30 PM. He mentioned that the cause of the fire is still under investigation but his children suspect it originated from an electrical fault in the ceiling that sparked the blaze, which subsequently spread through the walls.
He noted that his daughter had recently constructed a flat nearby to live with her husband and two children. Mr. Chand expressed that it took him over 20 years to build their house, storeroom, and car park, emphasizing the hard work he and his wife put into providing for their home.
“We need all the support to rebuild our house, and my grandchildren require assistance for their schooling since we’ve lost everything,” he stated. His grandchildren are currently enrolled at Savusavu Secondary School and Khemendra Central School.
The estimated damage amounts to around $400,000. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that an investigation has commenced, and fortunately, there were no casualties reported. This fire marks the second such incident in the Northern Division this month, following a house fire in Qelewaqa, Labasa on September 14.