Firefighters from the Levuka Fire Station took swift action to prevent a significant disaster at the old Pacific Fishing Company building in Levuka on Wednesday, September 4.
The National Fire Authority received a call about the blaze at 4:15 PM, and crews arrived on the scene within four minutes to find the 30 by 20-foot wooden structure fully ablaze. A breeching device and a nearby hydrant were employed to bring the fire under control by 5:41 PM.
The building, which had previously served as a kindergarten, experienced complete structural damage. There has yet to be an estimated cost for the damages incurred.
Earlier that same week, on Tuesday, September 3, firefighters from Seaqaqa Fire Station responded to a fire at Nakoro Settlement, arriving to find a vacant single-bedroom house completely destroyed. This residence, which sustained heavy damage, was powered by solar energy and had been home to six individuals.
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 to the fire. He also emphasized the rising threat of structural fires due to ongoing hot and dry conditions, urging the public to stay vigilant regarding fire safety.