A family of seven is seeking help after their home was engulfed in flames last Friday at Belego Settlement in Savusavu. The homeowner, 59-year-old Naren Chand, reported that his daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren were inside the house when the fire broke out.
“I was in Dreketi managing our business when I received the troubling news around 7:30 PM,” said Mr. Chand. “The cause of the fire is still unknown, but my children believe there was an electrical wiring issue in the ceiling that ignited the flames.”
He mentioned that the fire quickly spread through the walls. Recently, his daughter had constructed a flat nearby to live with her husband and children.
Mr. Chand explained that it took over 20 years to build their home, which included a storeroom and a car park. “My wife and I worked tirelessly to furnish our home. We started from nothing,” he stated. “We need assistance to rebuild, and my grandchildren require support to continue their education since we have lost everything.”
The grandchildren are enrolled at Savusavu Secondary School and Khemendra Central School. He estimates the damage from the fire to be around $400,000.
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that investigations into the incident have begun, noting that there were no casualties. This fire marks the second property incident in the Northern Division this month, following a house fire in Qelewaqa, Labasa on September 14.