A fire engulfed a double-storey residential house in Waiyavi, Lautoka, on Tuesday, leaving over ten people homeless. The blaze was first detected around 11 am by a Year 3 student residing in one of the three flats in the building, who immediately alerted a guardian upon seeing smoke emanating from a neighboring top-floor apartment.
According to the National Fire Authority (NFA), the primary flat sustained about 80 percent structural damage, with an estimated loss of $120,000. The adjoining flat, which was occupied by ten individuals, also suffered partial damage. NFA officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the fire’s cause.
In a related commentary, NFA CEO Puamau Sowane emphasized the importance of fire safety awareness among residents. He remarked, “Our annual target is to reduce property fires by 5 percent each year, a realistic objective considering the challenges we face.” He noted, however, that despite ongoing awareness campaigns, the occurrence of unwanted fires continues to rise. This month alone, NFA received approximately 300 fire calls nationwide, underscoring the need for increased vigilance, particularly as the dry season approaches.
Sowane urged the public to report any fire or rescue emergencies to the NFA’s emergency number, 910, as a means of ensuring prompt assistance.
This incident highlights a troubling trend of residential fires in the area, similar to recent events that have caused significant property damage across various locations. The NFA has been vocal about the steps homeowners can take to mitigate fire risks, reiterating that many of these fires are preventable through proper housekeeping measures. Regular electrical inspections and securing heat sources would drastically reduce the risk of fire and aid in community safety efforts. The resilience of the affected community and their efforts to seek fire safety improvements could lead to more robust preventive measures in the future, fostering hope for safer living conditions for everyone.
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