A family of seven is in need of assistance following a devastating fire that destroyed their home last Friday in Belego Settlement, Savusavu. Naren Chand, the 59-year-old homeowner, was managing his business in Dreketi when he learned about the fire around 7:30 PM. At the time of the incident, his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren were inside the house.
Mr. Chand noted that while the cause of the fire is still unknown, his children suspect it may have originated from an electrical fault in the ceiling. The flames rapidly spread through the walls. Recently, one of his daughters had constructed a flat nearby to live with her husband and two children.
The family had invested over 20 years into building their house, storeroom, and car park. “My wife and I worked very hard to buy everything for the home. We started from scratch,” he stated. He expressed that they require extensive support to rebuild and that his grandchildren, who attend Savusavu Secondary School and Khemendra Central School, need help with their education since the fire has left them without resources.
Mr. Chand estimated the damage to be approximately $400,000. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that investigations are underway, and thankfully, there were no casualties reported. This incident marks the second house fire in the Northern Division this month, with the first occurring in Qelewaqa, Labasa on September 14.