In the early hours of Sunday, a fire devastated a two-bedroom home on Saru Back Road in Lautoka. The property, owned by 30-year-old Binitesh Sharma, was situated outside the designated fire boundary and was home to Sharma and his 72-year-old mother, Veenat Kumari.
According to the National Fire Authority (NFA), the blaze reportedly ignited after Sharma plugged his mobile phone in to charge before going to bed. He awoke to sounds of sparking, followed by an overwhelming presence of heat and smoke, quickly noticing flames licking the wall. Promptly, Sharma alerted his mother, and they both managed to evacuate the premises without sustaining any injuries.
The NFA has assessed the total damage at approximately $80,000, signifying a complete loss of the home. While a thorough investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the fire, initial findings point toward an electrical fault associated with the mobile phone charging setup.
This incident highlights the potential hazards associated with charging devices at night and serves as a reminder to homeowners about electrical safety practices. The swift response of Sharma demonstrates the importance of preparedness in emergency situations.
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