Deliberately ignited fires are now recognized as the second leading cause of property fires in Fiji, raising alarms among fire safety officials. The National Fire Authority (NFA) notes a troubling trend where more incidents of arson are reported, as individuals intentionally set fires to cause destruction.
As of June this year, the NFA recorded 85 property fires, a slight increase from 81 during the same timeframe in the previous year. However, the financial impact of these fires is more significant; losses have surged from $7 million to over $10 million. Most concerning is that a staggering 95% of these fires occurred in residential properties, resulting in 652 individuals losing their homes, an increase from 566 last year.
The fires have not only affected private residences but have also damaged community structures, including a mosque, a school, and a gym. The number of vacant houses targeted rose from six in the last year to nine this year, indicating a worrying pattern of targeting unoccupied properties.
Investigations are ongoing into several recent fires, notably the old CWM Hospital birthing unit and the Rups Big Bear warehouse in Suva. Historically, the causes of such fires included electrical faults and unattended cooking. However, there is a notable shift towards more incendiary causes that have alarmed NFA officials.
In response to these rising incidents, NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane has emphasized the importance of proactive measures. Homeowners are urged to secure their properties, especially when they are unoccupied, by notifying neighbors or local police and practicing essential fire safety measures, such as ensuring that all electrical appliances are turned off and flammable materials are safely stored away.
Despite the rising statistics, there is hope that increased public awareness and community efforts can help curb this trend moving forward. By prioritizing fire safety, the community can strive for a safer living environment for all residents.
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