A house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second such incident in the area within a month. Mohammed Irshad, the owner of the destroyed home, was in Suva for work when the fire occurred. Fortunately, his wife and two children were home but managed to escape without injury.
The 31-year-old father expressed his disbelief after receiving a distressing call from his wife about the incident. “It happened between 7am and 7:30am,” Mr. Irshad stated. He plans to return home soon to organize temporary accommodation until he can arrange funds for rebuilding.
Irshad, who works as a lorry driver, had lived in the three-bedroom house for eight years and collected household items over many years. While he is uncertain about the total damage, he knows it represents significant loss.
The National Fire Authority reported they dispatched two trucks and nine officers from the Labasa Fire Station to respond to the emergency call. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander North, confirmed that an investigation has been initiated, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.