Investigations are nearing completion regarding five recent fires, one of which damaged a vacant house at Eco Trax.
Puamau Sowane, Chief Executive Officer of Fiji’s National Fire Authority, emphasized the importance of fire safety in a statement following these incidents.
Several fires were reported across Fiji between 9-10 July.
On 9 July, a fire broke out around mid-morning at Gaji Road in Samabula, Suva, affecting a household of six adults and two children. The details of the damage and cause are still being finalized.
Later that evening, another fire in Burenitu Village, Nalawa, Ra, heavily damaged a residence, impacting four individuals and causing an estimated $25,000 in damages.
On the following day, fires in Burelevu Village, Saivou, Ra, and at Uciwai Sangam School in Nadi resulted in complete destruction, with damage costs of $30,000 and $50,000 respectively, affecting five and six people.
Sowane urged homeowners to secure their properties, citing common causes such as candles and electrical faults.
“Over the years, the insulation capability of electrical wires could have deteriorated due to aging. Most electrical wire insulations are designed to last between 20 to 30 years,” he noted.
He advised regular electrical inspections and prompt reporting of emergencies to the NFA’s toll-free line at 910.