A significant fire incident occurred early yesterday morning at a double-storey building in Naidovi, Cuvu, Nadroga, which lies outside the Sigatoka Fire Boundary. The National Fire Authority’s CEO, Puamau Sowani, confirmed the destruction of the property, which was based on a report received by the Sigatoka Fire Station around 2:30 AM.
Upon arriving at the scene, firefighters found the building engulfed in flames. They promptly took action to contain the blaze and successfully extinguished the fire with support from the Korolevu team. Tragically, the structure, owned by 69-year-old Hari Shankar, suffered complete damage to the upper floor, which housed a nightclub and the owner’s apartment. The estimated cost of the damage is pegged at around $750,000.
Hari and his wife were alerted to the danger by their son-in-law, Rohit Chand, and were fortunate to escape unharmed. The ground floor of the building also included a shopping complex and several small shops, including a kava shop.
Sowani indicated that a fire investigation will be launched to ascertain the potential cause of the fire. He emphasized the importance of fire safety, urging the community to remain vigilant in protecting their homes from such incidents.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of fire hazards, highlighting the need for communities to prioritize fire safety measures. It is crucial for building owners and residents alike to have smoke detectors and fire safety plans in place.
In summary, while the fire caused considerable loss, the quick response from the fire brigade prevented the situation from escalating further, reflecting the importance of prompt action in emergency situations.
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