A second house in Vunivau, Labasa, was completely destroyed by fire yesterday, marking the second incident within a month. Mohammed Irshad, the owner, was in Suva for work when the fire ignited. His wife and two children were at home but were able to escape without injuries.
The 31-year-old father expressed his disbelief after receiving the alarming news from his wife. “It happened between 7 am and 7:30 am,” Mr. Irshad reported. He plans to return home soon to arrange for temporary housing until he can gather enough funds to rebuild.
Irshad, a lorry driver, has lived in the three-bedroom house for eight years. While he was uncertain about the total damage, he mentioned that it took him years to collect their household items.
The National Fire Authority responded to the emergency call with two trucks and nine officers from the Labasa Fire Station. Senior Superintendent of Police Kemueli Baledrokadroka, the Divisional Police Commander for the North, confirmed that an investigation has started, but the cause of the fire is still unknown.