A house fire early this morning has left three families homeless in Cunningham Stage One. The incident occurred around dawn, catching residents by surprise. One of the affected owners, 65-year-old Josese Naituku, was asleep when he was alerted to the flames. He reported significant losses, including valuable items such as traditional tanoa and his wife’s mats, all of which were destroyed in the fire.

Despite this tragedy, Mr. Naituku shared that he has access to an adjacent house where he plans to temporarily relocate. He expressed his determination to rebuild, contingent on government assistance. “I can rebuild if the Government can assist,” he stated, highlighting the hope for recovery.

Authorities, including the National Fire Authority and local police, are currently investigating the cause of the fire. Fortunately, this incident echoes previous fires in the region, where while property was lost, no human lives were reported as casualties. Community support often emerges in the wake of such tragedies, evidenced by past incidents where residents rallied to help affected families.

This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of fires and emphasizes the importance of fire safety measures. As the community reflects on this event, there is hope for recovery and restoration as families receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.