Firefighters from the Levuka Fire Station acted swiftly to avert a significant disaster at the old Pacific Fishing Company building in Levuka on September 4. The National Fire Authority received an emergency call at 4:15 PM, and the crew responded rapidly, arriving within four minutes to find the 30-by-20 wooden structure completely engulfed in flames. Utilizing a dividing breeching device and a nearby hydrant, they successfully extinguished the fire by 5:41 PM.
The building, previously utilized as a kindergarten, suffered total structural damage, although no cost estimates for the damages have been provided as of yet.
Earlier in the week, on September 3, firefighters from the Seaqaqa Fire Station also responded to a fire at Nakoro Settlement. They discovered a vacant single-bedroom house that had been completely consumed by fire. This residence, which was outfitted with solar power, was home to six individuals and was heavily damaged.
The causes of both fires are currently under investigation. Puamau Sowane, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority, commended the Levuka team for their prompt and effective response. He emphasized the rising risk of structural fires in light of the prevailing hot and dry conditions, urging the community to remain vigilant regarding fire safety.