A family in Vunivau, Labasa, suffered a devastating loss when their home, valued at $200,000 and built over 45 years, was consumed by fire last Friday night. Prasheel Naicker, 27, shared that his father, grandmother, and uncle were present at home during the incident, which unfolded while he was in Labasa Town.

Two passersby alerted the family to the flames emanating from their prayer room and spreading to the roof. Despite receiving assistance from the National Fire Authority (NFA), Naicker expressed frustrations about the NFA’s delayed response, suggesting that timely action could have facilitated the salvage of some personal belongings.

Naicker recounted making several attempts to contact the NFA, including a visit to the Labasa fire station in person to encourage quick action. Unfortunately, their efforts proved insufficient, and the family’s losses were complete.

This incident marks the second major house fire in the Northern Division within two weeks. The first blaze occurred on New Year’s Day, destroying a home in Waiqele while the owners were abroad. Comparisons can be drawn between these incidents, highlighting overall concerns regarding fire safety and the challenges emergency responders face, especially in rural areas.

In the New Year’s Day incident, homeowners Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad experienced losses estimated at $250,000, including damage to vehicles. This fire was complicated by unavailable resources, raising eyebrows about community preparedness and the effectiveness of the existing firefighting infrastructure. Both families have prompted discussions on the need for improved fire response capabilities and heightened vigilance within their communities.

Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, the acting Divisional Police Commander North, confirmed that investigations into both incidents are underway, with the NFA assessing how regional limitations affected their firefighting efforts.

This tragic chain of events underscores the importance of community resilience and collaboration in the aftermath of disasters. With ongoing investigations, there remains hope that such incidents can propel meaningful changes in fire safety measures and improve response protocols, ensuring that families can feel secure in their homes. The resilience and determination of affected families reflect a strong communal spirit aimed at overcoming adversity.