A fire in Malawai, Nadi, has left seven family members homeless after their two-storey, seven-bedroom residence, along with their shop and Kava Bar, was destroyed early yesterday morning. The property, owned by Abdul Munaf, had been a family-run business for over 35 years.
Nazil Nabeel, Munaf’s son, stated that the shop had closed on Saturday night, and all family members were asleep when the fire ignited. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
“The fire is believed to have started from the back. My two-bedroom apartment, the shop, and the Kava bar were located downstairs, while our family home with five bedrooms was upstairs,” Mr. Munaf explained.
He lamented, “We couldn’t save anything except the clothes we were wearing. Right now, we are homeless and don’t know where to stay. My parents are currently at a friend’s house.”
The family described the situation as emotionally painful. “We were in tears witnessing everything we worked hard for being destroyed by flames,” Mr. Munaf said, estimating the damage at over $100,000.
Officers from the National Fire Authority have confirmed their attendance at the scene and are conducting an investigation into the fire, with police also confirming that a probe is underway.