A family residing in Koroqaqa, located along Baulevu Road outside Nausori Town, has been left homeless following a fire that ravaged their home early Wednesday morning.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) reported that the blaze originated from the storage area of the house. The homeowner attempted to extinguish the flames using a garden hose, but the fire quickly spread, forcing the family to flee for safety.
According to the NFA, the damage to the four-bedroom house is estimated to be between $80,000 and $90,000. Fire crews from the Nausori and Nakasi fire stations responded to the incident around 6 AM. At the time of the fire, a 31-year-old taxi driver was at home with his wife, two children, and mother.
NFA’s Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane expressed concern about the increasing number of residential fires. He announced that the NFA is enhancing its Integrated Community Fire Wardens and Emergency Response Framework. This initiative includes a comprehensive two-week training program for communities, focusing on firefighting skills, fire prevention, basic first aid, and emergency response strategies.
Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.