The National Fire Authority (NFA) has reiterated its plea for Fijians to take fire safety seriously following a tragic incident where an elderly stroke patient succumbed to a house fire in Nadi. NFA’s Chief Executive Puamau Sowane expressed his condolences and stressed the urgent need for homeowners to adopt basic fire prevention measures.
The unfortunate fire, which occurred when the patient’s family was away at work and their children were at school, resulted in significant damage, with estimates placing it at around $60,000. The house was reportedly uninsured and lacked an approved building plan from the municipal council, further compounding the family’s loss.
Sowane emphasized the importance of knowing emergency protocols, including memorizing the fire service’s hotline, 910, to ensure quick response times in emergencies. He urged residents to employ proactive strategies, such as safely storing flammable items, properly managing matches and mosquito coils, and refraining from smoking indoors, to mitigate fire hazards.
This tragic event aligns with a worrying trend of increased fire incidents reported by the NFA, where many structures often suffer extensive damage due to poor fire safety practices. In previous instances, such as a spate of fires in July that caused over $150,000 worth of damages across different locations, Sowane has continuously highlighted the need for homeowners to be vigilant about securing their properties and conducting regular fire safety checks.
Communities are encouraged to collaborate and be vigilant, as collective awareness can significantly lower the occurrence and impact of such tragedies. Through proactive fire safety measures and heightened community engagement, there is hope for a safer environment moving forward.
Leave a comment