A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second such incident in a month.
Mohammed Irshad, the homeowner, was in Suva for work when the fire occurred. His wife and their two children were home at the time but managed to escape without injury.
The 31-year-old father expressed his surprise upon receiving the unsettling news from his wife. “The fire started between 7 am and 7:30 am,” Mr. Irshad said. “I will be returning home soon to arrange for temporary accommodation until we can find funds to rebuild.”
Irshad, who works as a lorry driver, had lived in the three-bedroom residence for eight years. He is uncertain about the total damage cost, but he mentioned it took years to accumulate their household items.
The National Fire Authority reported that two fire trucks and nine officers from the Labasa Fire Station responded to the emergency call.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated, though the cause of the fire remains undetermined.