A four-member investigation team from the National Fire Authority (NFA) is set to commence their inquiry into a significant fire that ravaged Rups Big Bear Warehouse on Grantham Road, Raiwaqa, early this morning. NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane stated that the investigation will take a minimum of two days, owing to the warehouse’s substantial floor space of approximately 2,000 square meters.
The fire was reported at 12:36 a.m. via a 910-emergency call from a public member. Firefighters from five different stations, including Suva, Lami, Valelevu, Nakasi, and Nausori, responded swiftly to the alarming situation. The Suva crew was the first to arrive on the scene at 12:46 a.m. They deployed multiple hose lines and utilized a feeder line from a fire hydrant to effectively combat the intense blaze, which destroyed 95% of the wooden and corrugated iron structure. While the full extent of the damage remains to be assessed, it is evident that the situation was serious, prompting a duty crew from Navua to remain on standby at the Suva Fire Station for any additional emergencies.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and officials are eager to clarify the circumstances surrounding this damaging incident. Past fire incidents within the region have underscored the importance of fire safety and community preparedness, intensifying calls from the NFA for enhanced vigilance.
This unfortunate event serves as a poignant reminder to the community regarding the unpredictability of fire hazards. Despite the current challenges, there is hope that continued efforts in fire safety education and emergency preparedness can lead to improved awareness, ultimately fostering a more resilient community against such incidents in the future.
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