In the early hours of New Year’s Day, the Northern Division experienced its first fire of 2025, as a four-bedroom residence in Waiqele, Labasa, was consumed by flames. The homeowners, Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad, were away in New Zealand with family for the holidays when they received the unfortunate news from a relative.
“Our caretaker was on leave for the New Year when the fire broke out around 3 am,” Ms. Devi explained. She expressed their gratitude toward a neighbor who promptly alerted the National Fire Authority (NFA) about the fire.
Firefighters faced a challenging situation, battling the flames with limited resources, including a single water tank and a damaged hose. Mr. Prasad commended their efforts, acknowledging the difficult conditions under which they operated. The fire resulted in significant damage, destroying two cars and partially damaging two vans, with property damage estimated at around $250,000.
The couple suspects arson, pointing to a history of threats and incidents, including stone-throwing and an attempted break-in at their shop near the Waiqele Airport. “We remain hopeful that the authorities will take swift action to bring those responsible to justice,” Ms. Devi commented, demonstrating resilience despite the devastation. They have filed a police complaint, trusting that authorities will uncover the truth and help prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The NFA Chief Executive Officer, Puamau Sowane, expressed sympathy for the affected family and highlighted the challenges faced by firefighters in that area due to the lack of fire hydrants and adequate water sources. He emphasized the need for residents living outside town boundaries to exercise heightened caution, given the distance from fire stations.
Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. “We are awaiting the NFA report to guide our next steps,” he stated while noting that this was the first fire incident reported in the North for 2025.
This unfortunate event serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in addressing safety concerns. The resilience shown by the family and the supportive response from neighbors and authorities may pave the way for improved safety measures in the future, fostering a stronger, more unified community.
Leave a comment