A family in Vunivau, Labasa, experienced a devastating loss last Friday night when a fire consumed their home, which had taken 45 years to build and was valued at approximately $200,000. Prasheel Naicker, 27, shared that his father, grandmother, and uncle were present in the house during the incident, which unfolded while he was in Labasa Town.
The fire reportedly originated from the family’s prayer room and quickly spread to the roof. It was by the alertness of two passersby that the family learned of the flames before the situation escalated further. Naicker expressed frustration over the National Fire Authority’s (NFA) delayed response, stating that a quicker action might have allowed for salvage of some belongings.
Despite his attempts to contact the NFA multiple times and even rushing to the local fire station to urge them to respond swiftly, the fire had already caused irreversible destruction by the time help arrived. The family lost everything they owned that had been accumulated over many years, and they are now staying with relatives as they cope with this tragedy.
This incident marks the second significant house fire in the Northern Division within just two weeks, emphasizing ongoing concerns about fire safety and emergency response capabilities in rural areas. The previous incident occurred on New Year’s Day in Waiqele, Labasa, where another family’s home was completely lost while they were abroad. Both events have raised serious discussions about the need for enhanced fire safety measures and more efficient response protocols in the community.
Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that investigations into both incidents are ongoing, while the NFA is analyzing what hampered their response. The challenges faced by emergency services in rural areas, particularly regarding water access and firefighting resources, have been highlighted as critical issues in the wake of these fires.
In summary, while the Naicker family’s loss is profound, it serves as a wake-up call for the community to bolster fire safety awareness and preparedness. The resilience demonstrated by the affected families and the support from their community offer hope for proactive measures that can prevent such tragedies in the future. Community collaboration may lead to stronger fire safety practices, fostering a more secure environment for all residents.
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