A fire in Malawai, Nadi, has left seven family members homeless after their two-storey, seven-bedroom residence, along with their shop and Kava Bar, were engulfed in flames early yesterday morning. The property, owned by Abdul Munaf, had served as a family business for over 35 years.
Nazil Nabeel, Mr. Munaf’s son, reported that the family closed the shop on Saturday night and were asleep when the fire began. The cause of the blaze is currently being investigated.
Mr. Munaf explained that the fire likely originated from the back of the property. “My two-bedroom apartment, the shop, and Kava Bar are all downstairs, while our family home with five bedrooms is upstairs,” he said. “We could save nothing except the clothes we were wearing. Right now, we are homeless and do not know where to go. My parents are staying with a friend.”
He expressed the emotional toll of the loss, stating, “We were in tears witnessing all that we have worked for being destroyed in the flames.” The estimated damages amount to over $100,000.
The National Fire Authority’s liaison officer confirmed that personnel had responded to the incident and are conducting an investigation, while the police are also looking into the matter.