Following two recent school fires, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is ramping up inspections across schools nationwide to ensure adherence to fire safety protocols. NFA chief executive Puamau Sowane stressed the urgent need for action after fires occurred at Desbhandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka on October 12 and Lomaivuna High School on October 6.
The NFA is also advising government and educational institutions to invest in fire insurance for their facilities.
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 building, equipped with a corrugated iron roof and aluminum doors, suffered approximately 95 percent damage, with repair costs estimated at $220,000. In the meantime, students are temporarily studying in tents. The total estimated damage, including the loss of various educational and office equipment valued at $160,000, is around $380,000.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire.
To tackle the broader issue of fire safety, Mr. Sowane mentioned that the NFA is in talks with the Permanent Secretary for Education and the Minister of Education about incorporating a Fire Safety Curriculum in early education. This initiative aims to educate children on fire safety from a young age, equipping them with the knowledge to respond effectively in emergencies.
The NFA is now concentrating its inspections on schools that pose the highest fire risks, particularly those with boarding facilities, commercial kitchens, old classroom blocks, or chemistry labs. So far, 25 schools, including 12 major boarding schools in Viti Levu and Taveuni, have been inspected, either at the schools’ request or scheduled by the NFA as part of their high-risk assessment strategy.
Mr. Sowane stated that the NFA is dedicated to inspecting all primary and secondary schools across Fiji, focusing on those most vulnerable to fire hazards. Their objective is to reduce the occurrence of school fires by ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.
According to NFA statistics, from January 2019 to October 15, 2024, a total of 22 school buildings experienced over 90 percent damage due to fires. This includes 11 classrooms and offices, five dormitory buildings, six teachers’ quarters, and one tool shed, with damage costs exceeding $3.7 million.
Mr. Sowane urged school managements and the government to seriously consider investing in insurance for school properties, highlighting the significant losses from recent fires. He emphasized that substantial investments by the government in education should be secured through insurance to protect school buildings, equipment, and the welfare of staff and students.
The NFA is also collaborating with building and government architects to ensure that all government buildings, particularly schools, comply with the fire safety standards outlined in the National Building Code of Fiji. Additionally, they are collecting data from the Ministry of Education regarding the ages of older school buildings to better inform fire safety measures suited to the specific risks these structures may pose.
The initiative remains a priority, and updates will be provided as the inspections continue and fire safety education progresses in schools.