The National Fire Authority has reported a concerning rise in fire-related damages, which have reached $26 million this year, up from $23 million the previous year. CEO Sowane Puamau highlighted that this increase is alarming and indicates that many buildings are lacking proper engineering plans prior to their construction.
Puamau expressed his concerns, stating, “The cost of damage for last year was more than $23 million, and this year it has surpassed that amount to $26 million. It is worrying to see these costs escalating year after year.” He emphasized the urgent need for adherence to fire safety standards to prevent fires and lessen potential losses.
In an effort to combat these fires, the National Fire Authority has heightened its awareness campaigns and rolled out strategic plans aimed at reducing unwanted fires by 5 percent annually. However, Puamau acknowledged the difficulty of this goal, particularly due to the number of homes affected that do not have proper engineering plans approved by the relevant councils.
So far, from November 1 to the present, four homes have been destroyed by fire, bringing the total number of fire incidents this year to 173, compared to 161 incidents during the same period last year.
As communities and authorities work together to address these issues, it is crucial for all stakeholders to foster better compliance with fire safety regulations, which can ultimately lead to a safer environment for all residents.
In summary, the ongoing rise in fire damage underscores the vital importance of strict adherence to building codes and fire safety measures, with a unified approach needed to mitigate these growing risks. Promoting awareness and compliance could lead to positive changes in community safety in the future.
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