A family of seven is in urgent need of help after their home was completely destroyed by a fire last Friday in Belego Settlement, Savusavu. Naren Chand, the homeowner, 59, was away managing a business in Dreketi when he received the devastating news around 7:30 PM.
Mr. Chand explained that while the exact cause of the fire has not yet been confirmed, his children suspect it may have originated from an electrical wiring issue in the ceiling. This fire rapidly spread through the walls of their home. Additionally, he mentioned that his daughter had recently constructed a flat on the property to accommodate her husband and two children.
Mr. Chand expressed the immense effort it took him and his wife over two decades to build their house, storeroom, and car park. “We worked very hard to buy everything for the home. We started from scratch,” he said. He emphasized the need for assistance to rebuild their home, as well as support for his grandchildren to continue their education after losing everything. His grandchildren are currently enrolled at Savusavu Secondary School and Khemendra Central School.
The estimated damage from the fire is around $400,000. Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that investigations are underway, noting that fortunately, there were no casualties. This incident marks the second house fire reported in the Northern Division this month, following a similar occurrence in Qelewaqa, Labasa, on September 14.