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Illustration of Fire damage tops $20 million this year

Fire Woes: Damages Hit $26 Million as Concerns Rise

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The National Fire Authority has reported a concerning rise in fire-related damages, which have reached an alarming $26 million this year, up from $23 million last year. Chief Executive Officer Sowane Puamau expressed his worries about this drastic increase, citing the primary issues as the lack of proper engineering plans for buildings before construction.

Puamau stressed the importance of adhering to fire safety standards to help prevent such incidents and minimize financial losses. “The cost of damage for last year was more than $23 million, and this year it has surpassed that to $26 million. It’s troubling to see these costs escalate year after year,” he noted.

The National Fire Authority has intensified its awareness campaigns and implemented strategic plans with the goal of reducing unwanted fires by 5 percent annually. However, Puamau admitted that achieving this target has been challenging due to the prevalence of homes lacking proper engineering plans approved by local councils.

Since November 1, four homes have already been lost to flames, contributing to a total of 173 fire incidents reported so far, compared to 161 cases during the same period last year.

In light of these rising statistics, it’s essential for communities to prioritize fire safety and work within established engineering parameters to protect lives and property. Through collective efforts in compliance and awareness, it is possible to turn the tide on this issue and foster a safer environment for all.

As communities come together to address these challenges, there is hope that increased awareness and proactive measures can lead to a significant reduction in fire incidents in the future.


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