The National Fire Authority (NFA) has reported a noteworthy 26 percent decrease in structural fires from January to April this year compared to the same timeframe in 2023. According to Chief Executive Puamau Sowane, there were 49 structural fires during this period, down from 58 last year. Sowane attributes this decline to enhanced fire awareness programs implemented by firefighters within local communities.
Despite the positive trend, Sowane acknowledged that efforts must now focus on areas outside municipal boundaries, where a majority of recent fires have occurred. He pointed out that fires often arise in informal settlements, where construction lacks proper planning and lies beyond the coverage of fire protection services. The NFA’s strategic reorientation towards these areas has demonstrated significant results, leading to an impressive drop in urban fire cases.
Sowane stated, “We have an annual target of decreasing urban fires by 5%. Last year, we achieved a remarkable 16% reduction, but we are still confronted with challenges, especially as even a couple of structural fires can have a significant impact. Our goal is to eliminate these incidents entirely.”
He implores homeowners to observe fire safety regulations and adhere to building standards to further mitigate fire-related risks.
This proactive approach and heightened awareness about fire safety are key to ensuring the community’s safety and resilience. By maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety protocols, there is hope that the trend of reducing fire incidents will continue. Engaging communities in these initiatives presents a positive outlook for future fire safety efforts.
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