National Fire Authority CEO Puamau Sowane addressed concerns over delayed fire responses while inspecting the Labasa Fire Station. He emphasized the difficulties his team encounters during emergency situations, stating, “We are not Superman!” This remark comes in the wake of public complaints about response times.
Mr. Sowane highlighted that the authority has made significant improvements, reducing their response time from 10 minutes to 5 minutes. However, he acknowledged that challenges such as road congestion may still lead to unavoidable delays.
The CEO reassured the community of the fire authority’s commitment, explaining that while their goal is to save as much of the property as possible, their primary focus is on the safety of the community. “If we arrive and are able to save part of the property, that’s great, but if we are unable to save it, our focus will shift towards protecting the community,” he stated. He emphasized the importance of containing fires to prevent them from spreading beyond the incident area.
To foster community collaboration in fire prevention efforts, Mr. Sowane urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report any signs of fire by calling 910.
This commitment to both rapid response and community safety reflects the ongoing efforts of the National Fire Authority to enhance their service, even in the face of challenges. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community awareness and prompt action when it comes to fire safety.
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