In the early hours of New Year’s Day, the Northern Division faced its first fire incident of 2025 as a four-bedroom house in Waiqele, Labasa, was consumed by flames. Unfortunately, homeowners Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad were away in New Zealand for the holidays and received the distressing news from a family member.
According to Ms. Devi, their caretaker was not present during the New Year celebrations when the fire broke out around 3 a.m. She expressed her deep gratitude towards a neighbor who promptly contacted the National Fire Authority (NFA) for assistance.
Despite facing significant challenges, including a limited water supply and damaged equipment, the fire brigade worked diligently to manage the fire. Mr. Prasad mentioned, “They did their best, given there was only one water tank and a damaged hose.”
The blaze inflicted considerable damage, wiping out two cars and partially damaging two vans. The couple suspects that the fire may have been deliberately set, noting prior incidents involving threats and attempted break-ins at their nearby shop.
In light of these troubling events, Ms. Devi remains hopeful that law enforcement will act swiftly to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served. The family’s losses are significant, with damages estimated at $250,000; however, they remain optimistic about the situation. “We have lodged a police complaint and trust the authorities will uncover the truth and prevent such tragedies from impacting others,” said Ms. Devi.
The NFA CEO, Puamau Sowane, expressed his condolences to the family and highlighted the challenges faced due to a lack of fire hydrants and water sources in the area, which complicates firefighting efforts. He urged residents living outside town limits to be particularly cautious given the distance from emergency services.
Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, acting Divisional Police Commander North, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. “We are awaiting the NFA report to determine our next course of action,” he stated.
This incident serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by communities when it comes to fire safety and the importance of having adequate resources to respond swiftly to emergencies. The proactive steps taken by the family and neighbors demonstrate resilience and community spirit in the face of adversity.
In summary, while the fire incident has caused significant distress and loss, the family’s determination to seek justice and the community’s support highlight a hopeful path forward. As investigations commence, there is an opportunity for the authorities to enhance fire safety measures in rural areas and ensure that similar incidents are prevented in the future.
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