The National Fire Authority has reported a notable rise in fire-related damages, climbing from $23 million last year to an alarming $26 million this year. CEO Sowane Puamau expressed deep concern regarding this increase, emphasizing the challenges posed by inadequate engineering plans for buildings prior to construction.
Puamau stated, “The cost of damage for last year was more than $23 million, and this year it has surpassed the amount to $26 million. That is very worrying to see the cost keeps escalating year in, year out.” He highlighted the pressing need for adherence to fire safety standards in order to prevent incidents and lessen potential losses.
The situation is particularly troubling for fire authorities, as they aim to reduce unwanted fires by 5 percent each year. However, achieving this goal has proven to be quite challenging due to the prevalence of homes lacking proper engineering plans from local councils. The number of fire incidents has also increased, with a total of 173 reported so far this year, up from 161 during the same time last year. Recently, four homes were destroyed by fire since November 1.
In summary, as fire damages continue to escalate, it is critical for builders and homeowners to prioritize fire safety and compliance with engineering standards. This proactive approach can significantly reduce risks and potentially save lives and property. There is hope that with increased awareness and cooperative planning from the National Fire Authority, the trend of rising fire incidents can be reversed in the future.
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