In light of two recent school fires, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is ramping up inspections at schools across the country to ensure adherence to fire safety standards. NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane highlighted the urgent need for this initiative following fires at Desbhandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka on October 12 and Lomaivuna High School on October 6.
The NFA is also calling on government and educational authorities to prioritize fire insurance for their properties.
In Lautoka, the fire at Desbhandhu Vitogo Primary School resulted in the destruction of four classrooms, an office, a staff room, and a computer room. The concrete structure, which had a corrugated iron roof and aluminum doors, suffered significant damage, estimated at 95 percent, totaling around $220,000. Currently, students are attending classes in tents. The total value of damaged items, which included a photocopier, laptops, a projector, and various school supplies, amounts to approximately $380,000.
An investigation is underway to ascertain the cause of the fire.
To address broader fire safety issues, the NFA is engaging in discussions with the Permanent Secretary for Education and the Minister of Education to incorporate a Fire Safety Curriculum in early education. This initiative aims to educate children about fire safety, enabling them to respond effectively in emergencies.
The NFA is now concentrating its inspection efforts on high-risk schools, particularly those with boarding facilities, commercial kitchens, older classroom buildings, and chemistry labs. So far, 25 inspections have been conducted at schools, including major boarding institutions in Viti Levu and Taveuni, all with a student population exceeding 500. These inspections were either requested by the schools or scheduled by the NFA as part of its high-risk strategy.
Mr. Sowane reaffirmed the NFA’s commitment to inspecting all primary and secondary schools throughout Fiji, prioritizing those at greater risk of fire. The aim is to reduce the occurrence of school fires by ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
According to NFA statistics, between January 2019 and October 15, 2024, 22 school buildings nationwide experienced over 90 percent damage due to fires, including classrooms, dormitories, and teachers’ quarters, resulting in damages exceeding $3.7 million.
Mr. Sowane urged school managements and the government to invest in insurance for school properties, emphasizing the significant financial losses incurred from recent fires. He indicated that government investments in education are substantial, and securing that investment through insurance is crucial, especially when students are present in school buildings.
Additionally, the NFA is working closely with building and government architects to ensure all government buildings, particularly schools, comply with the National Building Code of Fiji’s fire safety requirements. They are also gathering data from the Ministry of Education about the ages of school structures to provide tailored fire safety advice for older buildings.
This initiative is a top priority for the NFA as they continue to advance fire safety education in schools and will provide updates as inspections progress.