Following two recent school fires, the National Fire Authority (NFA) is ramping up inspections of schools across the country to ensure adherence to fire safety regulations. NFA Chief Executive Puamau Sowane highlighted the critical need for these actions after fires occurred at Desbhandhu Vitogo Primary School in Lautoka on October 12 and Lomaivuna High School on October 6.
The NFA is urging both government and school officials to prioritize the acquisition of fire insurance for their facilities.
In Lautoka, the fire at Desbhandhu Vitogo Primary School resulted in extensive damage, destroying four classrooms, an office, a staff room, and a computer room. The building, made of concrete with a corrugated iron roof and aluminum doors, was estimated to have sustained 95 percent damage, with total damage costs projected at $380,000. In the aftermath, students are currently using tents for classes.
The affected equipment, including a photocopier, laptops, a projector, computer sets, tablets, and various school supplies, amounted to $160,000. The NFA is conducting an investigation to establish the probable cause of the fire.
To address broader fire safety concerns, the NFA has begun discussions with the Permanent Secretary for Education and the Minister of Education on the introduction of a fire safety curriculum for younger students. The goal is to educate children about fire safety from an early age, enabling them to react effectively in emergencies.
The NFA is prioritizing inspections of high-risk schools, especially those with boarding facilities, commercial kitchens, old classroom blocks, and chemistry labs. Thus far, NFA has inspected 25 schools, including 12 major boarding schools in Viti Levu and Taveuni, each housing over 500 students. Some inspections were requested by the schools themselves, while others were arranged by the NFA as part of its high-risk assessment initiative.
Statistics from the NFA reveal that between January 2019 and October 15, 2024, 22 school buildings in the country sustained over 90 percent damage due to fires, accounting for more than $3.7 million in damages. Sowane stressed the importance of school management and the central government considering insurance investments for school properties to safeguard against the considerable financial losses incurred due to recent fires.
He stated, “Government’s investment in schools is immense, and fire safety is often in question, particularly with children present.” The collaboration with building and government architects aims to ensure all government structures, especially schools, comply with the minimum fire safety standards set by the National Building Code of Fiji.
Additionally, the NFA is collecting data from the Ministry of Education regarding the ages of certain school blocks to customize fire safety guidance based on the specific risks of older buildings. This initiative is a key focus for the NFA, and updates will continue as they advance in fire safety inspections and education within schools.