Quick actions by firefighters from Levuka Fire Station averted a significant disaster at the old Pacific Fishing Company building in Levuka on Wednesday, September 4. The National Fire Authority received emergency calls regarding the fire at 4:15 PM, and the crew arrived on the scene within four minutes to find the 30 by 20 wooden structure fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters utilized a dividing breeching device and a nearby hydrant to bring the blaze under control, extinguishing it by 5:41 PM. Unfortunately, the building, which previously served as a kindergarten, suffered total structural damage. There is currently no estimate available for the cost of the damages.
In a separate incident earlier that week on Tuesday, September 3, the Seaqaqa Fire Station responded to a fire at Nakoro Settlement. When they arrived, they found a vacant single-bedroom house that had been completely destroyed. The heavily damaged residence was equipped with solar power and had been home to six occupants.
Investigations are underway to determine the causes of both fires. Puamau Sowane, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority, commended the Levuka team for their prompt response and emphasized the growing risks of structural fires amid the ongoing hot and dry weather conditions. He urged the public to stay vigilant regarding fire safety.