A fire broke out at John Wesley College in Suva on Friday morning, resulting in severe damage to several classrooms, including the technical drawing room, science laboratory, home economics room, and a staff area. The incident occurred around 10 am, but fortunately, there were no students present due to the ongoing examination period.
Upon arrival at the scene, the National Fire Authority (NFA) worked diligently to control the flames, with police officers assisting in the evacuation of staff. NFA’s chief executive officer, Sowane Puamau, noted that while they managed to save the computer lab, timely arrival of fire tankers could have minimized the destruction, particularly of additional rooms.
Mr. Nazid assessed the aftermath and confirmed the extensive damage to equipment in the affected areas. Education Minister Aseri Radrodro visited the site at midday, where he was updated by the principal on the situation. He emphasized the importance of using such incidents as teachable moments, highlighting the necessity of incorporating fire safety education into the curriculum. He proposed enlisting fire experts to instruct students on fire prevention and recovery strategies and called for an evaluation of the school’s safety standards.
Despite the unfortunate fire, Minister Radrodro reassured that classes would proceed as scheduled the following week. The leadership at the school is prepared to adjust internal examination procedures as needed, ensuring continuity in education.
This incident underscores the importance of fire safety preparedness and presents an opportunity for the school to improve safety protocols for the future. The commitment to ensure classes continue and adapt demonstrates resilience and dedication to students’ education amid challenges.
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