In the early hours of New Year’s Day 2025, the Northern Division experienced its first fire incident when a four-bedroom residence in Waiqele, Labasa, was completely consumed by flames. The homeowners, Shalenee Devi and Nileshwar Prasad, were in New Zealand celebrating the holidays when they received the shocking news from a relative.
Ms. Devi explained that their caretaker was away celebrating New Year’s when the fire broke out around 3 a.m. Grateful for the quick response from their neighbor, who alerted the National Fire Authority (NFA), they emphasized the challenges faced by the responding firefighters. Despite limited resources, including only one water tank and a damaged hose, the fire team worked diligently to control the raging fire, as acknowledged by Mr. Prasad.
The fire resulted in significant destruction, claiming two vehicles and inflicting partial damage on two vans. The couple suspects arson, citing a history of threats and disturbances, including stone-throwing incidents and a previous attempted break-in at their shop near the Waiqele Airport. Ms. Devi expressed hope that authorities would take swift action to bring the culprits to justice.
The estimated damage to their property is around $250,000; however, the family remains optimistic. They have filed a police report and trust that the authorities will uncover the truth to prevent similar misfortunes from affecting others.
Puamau Sowane, CEO of the NFA, expressed sympathy for the affected family and noted the challenges in addressing the fire due to the lack of hydrants and water sources in the area. He stressed the importance of residents living outside urban boundaries to be particularly cautious, given their distance from fire stations.
In response, Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that an investigation is currently underway. He mentioned that they are waiting for the NFA’s report to guide their next steps, marking this fire as the first recorded incident in the North for 2025.
This incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in responding to emergencies. It is also a reminder of the need for adequate fire safety measures in areas that are distant from fire services. The hope for justice and accountability by the affected family reflects a strong resilience in the face of adversity.
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