The National Fire Authority (NFA) has advised the public and business owners to be vigilant as the holiday season approaches. This caution comes after a significant fire broke out at Auto City Place in Raiwaqa, Suva, on Friday morning.
NFA CEO Puamau Sowane stated that the crew from the Suva Fire Station arrived at the scene at 2:49 AM to find a complex, which housed a restaurant, a kava store, and an automotive spare parts shop, fully ablaze. Firefighters from the Valelevu Fire Station in Nasinu also contributed to the firefighting efforts.
The blaze was brought under control within an hour, which prevented it from spreading to nearby buildings. Nevertheless, the structure suffered 80 percent damage, and the total cost of the damages remains to be calculated. Investigations to determine the fire’s cause are set to begin shortly.
As the festive period draws near, Sowane emphasized the critical importance of fire safety. He encouraged business owners to turn off all unused power points and machinery, as well as secure windows and doors to lower fire hazards. He highlighted that these straightforward measures can greatly diminish the risk of accidental fires and prevent property loss.