The National Fire Authority has conducted inspections at 25 schools, including 12 major boarding institutions located on Viti Levu and Taveuni, each hosting over 500 students.
NFA CEO Puamau Sowane indicated that these schools were classified as “high-risk”. He noted that the NFA has shifted its focus towards inspecting high-risk schools, particularly those with boarding facilities, commercial kitchens, heritage-listed or older classroom structures, and those equipped with chemistry laboratories.
These inspections either stemmed from requests made by the schools themselves or were part of NFA’s scheduled assessments under its high-risk strategy. Sowane stressed NFA’s commitment to inspecting all primary and secondary schools throughout Fiji’s three divisions, prioritizing those more susceptible to fire hazards.
The authority aims to reduce the frequency of school fires by ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations. Additionally, Mr. Puamau revealed that the NFA has begun discussions with the Permanent Secretary of the Education Ministry and the Minister of Education about incorporating a Fire Safety Curriculum into early education.
The objective is to educate children about fire safety at a young age, enabling them to react suitably during emergencies.