The National Fire Authority (NFA) is currently investigating a significant fire that caused extensive damage to the Rups Big Bear warehouse, Eskay Motors, and Raiwaqa Bus Company located on Grantham Road, Raiwaqa, Suva, early yesterday morning. NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane reported that the investigation is expected to take approximately two days due to the considerable size of the affected area, which spans about 2,000 square meters.
Emergency services received the alarm just after midnight, around 12:36 AM, prompting a swift response from firefighters across five different stations, including Suva, Lami, Valelevu, Nakasi, and Nausori, along with an ambulance. The first units arrived on the scene shortly after the alarm was raised. The coordinated efforts of the firefighters involved multiple hose lines and feeder lines from hydronic systems, and by 3:54 AM, the NFA confirmed that the fire was under control and extinguished.
The damage to the timber and corrugated iron structure is estimated at 95 percent, highlighting the fire’s severity. While the cause of the blaze remains under investigation, Mr. Sowane has urged the public, especially business owners, to take fire safety seriously and to prioritize security measures to prevent such incidents. He emphasized the importance of adequate fire safety protocols and recommended hiring security personnel to monitor properties.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder for the community regarding the unpredictability of fire hazards. However, it brings hope for improvement in fire safety education and community preparedness efforts. With the NFA’s ongoing advocacy for heightened awareness and vigilance, there is potential for fostering a stronger culture of safety among local businesses, ultimately aiming to reduce the risks of future fire incidents.
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