A total of 472 structural fires have been reported across the country from July 31, 2021, to July 31, 2024. Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa shared these statistics in Parliament on Monday, detailing that there were 102 structural fires in the 2021-2022 financial year, 171 in the 2022-2023 financial year, and 199 in the 2023-2024 financial year.
Mr. Nalumisa expressed sorrow over the loss of life resulting from these incidents, noting injuries and fatalities during fire emergencies. He reported six casualties in 2021, including one child, six in 2022 with two children among them, six in 2023 including one child, and three in 2024.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families impacted by these tragedies. Homes can be rebuilt, but lives lost to devastating fires cannot be restored,” he stated.
The Minister also emphasized the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening the National Fire Authority (NFA) to enhance fire safety and service delivery. He highlighted that their administration has prioritized funding for the NFA, marking the first government to allocate a budget as specified under the National Fire Service Act 1994, which is 25 percent of its annual budget.
This allocation amounts to $6.1 million, making it the largest budget ever granted to the NFA by any government.