Fiji experienced a significant number of property fires last year, with a total of 186 incidents recorded by the National Fire Authority (NFA). The damage inflicted on many of these homes was severe, with reports indicating that over 90 percent of the properties were affected.
NFA Acting CEO Joel Israel attributed the majority of these fires to electrical faults, with suspicious and incendiary occurrences also contributing to the overall statistics. He emphasized the importance of prevention, stating that many of these fires could have been avoided with proper precautions.
Israel urged the public to remain vigilant by advising against leaving cooking unattended and to be cautious about overloading electrical outlets. Additionally, he highlighted the necessity of keeping matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
The NFA chief also pointed out the critical importance of fire safety education for families. He advocated for every family member to understand safe evacuation procedures and to be prepared for emergencies, ensuring a collective effort in preventing fire-related tragedies.
This focus on fire safety serves as a reminder of the need for awareness and community education to mitigate risks and protect homes.
Leave a comment