A double-storey building located in Naidovi, Cuvu, Nadroga, was completely destroyed by fire early yesterday morning. This incident, confirmed by Puamau Sowani, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority, occurred outside the Sigatoka Fire Boundary.
Emergency services received the alarm around 2:30 AM, and upon their arrival at the scene, they found the building engulfed in flames. The fire brigade quickly took action to contain the fire, successfully preventing it from spreading further. With the assistance of the Korolevu team, they continued to work on extinguishing hotspots throughout the structure.
The building was owned by 69-year-old Hari Shankar, who, along with his wife, was alerted to the fire by their son-in-law, Rohit Chand, 42. The facility housed a shopping complex, including four small shops, one of which was a kava shop on the ground floor, while the upper level contained a nightclub and the owner’s apartment. Unfortunately, the top floor suffered total damage, with the loss estimated at around $750,000.
In the aftermath of the incident, Mr. Sowani emphasized the importance of fire safety and announced that an investigation would take place to ascertain the cause of the fire. He urged community members to prioritize fire safety measures in their homes.
While the loss is significant, the presence of a quick response from the fire brigade prevented further destruction and potential injury. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the necessity for vigilance and preparedness when it comes to fire safety in our communities.
It’s hopeful that the community will come together to support those affected by this tragedy, fostering resilience and solidarity in the face of adversity.
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