Fire Destroys Classrooms at John Wesley College: What’s Next?

A significant fire at John Wesley College in Suva destroyed several technical vocational classrooms and a staff room on Friday morning. The blaze, which erupted around 10 am, affected the technical drawing room, science lab, and home economics room, although fortunately, no classes were in session as the school is currently in its examination period.

When emergency responders arrived, the National Fire Authority (NFA) worked diligently to control the fire with the assistance of police officers who helped evacuate students. NFA Chief Executive Officer Sowane Puamau noted that the response could have been more effective if fire tankers had arrived sooner, suggesting that additional classrooms could have been saved. However, he indicated that the computer lab was successfully protected from the flames.

In evaluating the aftermath, it was revealed that much of the equipment in the science, home economics, and technical drawing areas was lost to the fire. Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro visited the scene to discuss the situation with the school’s principal. He emphasized the importance of learning from such incidents and suggested that fire experts could be brought in to educate students on fire safety and prevention.

The minister assured that the fire would not disrupt classes in the following week, as the head of the school confirmed operations would continue as normal, albeit with possible adjustments to internal examinations in the affected programs.

This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety in educational institutions. The proactive measures being considered by the school and education authorities reflect a commitment to improving resilience and ensuring the safety and education of students in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, while the fire was a significant loss for John Wesley College, the quick response from emergency services, the support from the education authorities, and the school’s commitment to resume normal operations offer a positive outlook for the future.