A family in Koroqaqa, located along Baulevu Road outside Nausori Town, is now homeless following a fire that engulfed their home on Wednesday morning. The National Fire Authority (NFA) reported that the blaze originated in the storage area. The homeowner attempted to extinguish the fire using a garden hose, but as the flames rapidly spread, the family was forced to flee.
The NFA estimated the damage to the four-bedroom residence to be between $80,000 and $90,000. Fire crews from the Nausori and Nakasi fire stations responded to the emergency around 6 AM. At the time, the homeowner, a 31-year-old taxi driver, was at home with his wife, two children, and mother.
In the aftermath of the fire, investigations are ongoing. Puamau Sowane, the CEO of the NFA, voiced concerns about the increasing number of residential fires. He announced that the organization is enhancing its Integrated Community Fire Wardens and Emergency Response Framework, a training program designed for communities at no cost.
“This program includes two weeks of intensive training focused on firefighting techniques, prevention of accidental fires, administering basic first aid, and managing various emergencies within the community,” Mr. Sowane explained.