A total of 472 structural fires occurred nationwide between July 31, 2021, and July 31, 2024. Minister for Housing and Local Government Maciu Nalumisa shared this information during a parliamentary session on Monday. The breakdown of incidents shows that there were 102 structural fires recorded in the 2021-2022 financial year, 171 in the 2022-2023 financial year, and 199 in the 2023-2024 financial year.
“While we hope that no lives are lost during fire emergencies, it is with deep sorrow that we report fatalities from past incidents,” Mr. Nalumisa stated. He noted that there were six fatalities in 2021, including one child; six in 2022, with two children among the victims; six in 2023, including one child; and three in 2024.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost loved ones over the years. Homes can be rebuilt, but a life lost in a tragic fire cannot be replaced,” he added.
Mr. Nalumisa emphasized the Coalition Government’s commitment to strengthening the National Fire Authority (NFA) to enhance its service delivery and fire safety initiatives. He mentioned that the Coalition has prioritized the NFA, which is the first government to allocate the requisite budget for the authority, as stipulated by the National Fire Service Act 1994. This includes providing 25 percent of the NFA’s annual budget, amounting to $6.1 million.
“I am pleased to announce that this is the highest budget allocation the NFA has ever received from any government,” he concluded.