A series of residential fires across the country has prompted fresh warnings to homeowners from the National Fire Authority (NFA).
In the span of three days, four houses were destroyed with damages estimated around $150,000.
The first incident occurred on July 26 in Wai Settlement in Wailoku. A couple and their grandson escaped the fire which completely engulfed their home. The woman sustained burns while trying to save her grandson, according to the NFA.
On July 27, in Balabala Village, Rakiraki, a 65-year-old woman and her son’s family were rendered homeless by a fire causing $30,000 in damages.
A structural fire was also reported on the same day in Vitogo, Lautoka. The house, owned by an Australian resident and occupied by a 32-year-old man, was vacant at the time of the fire. The damage was estimated at $30,000.
Meanwhile, in Tagitagi, Nadi, a home belonging to a 41-year-old salesman was completely destroyed, with estimated damages set at $40,000.
NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane emphasized that these fires were preventable.
“Members of the public need to check and secure their property whenever they leave for school, work, shopping, church, or wherever they are traveling,” he said. “Power points need to be switched off, electrical appliances need to be switched off and stored away, kerosene and gas stoves need to be turned off and gas cylinders closed, and flammable items and materials need to be stored properly. All these need to be done before leaving a house unoccupied.”