A tragic house fire at Levuka Settlement in Samabula North has resulted in the death of a 20-year-old woman, marking the 13th fire-related fatality in the nation this year. The National Fire Authority (NFA) responded to an emergency call around 4 PM yesterday regarding the residential fire off Bureta Street, dispatching two fire appliances from the Suva Fire Station. Firefighters arrived on the scene just eight minutes later, but by that time, the two-bedroom corrugated iron home was completely engulfed in flames.
While working to extinguish the fire, the rescue teams received information that there was still an individual trapped inside the structure. Despite their vigorous efforts, which included utilizing water relay systems and connecting to a nearby hydrant, crews were unable to save the woman. They discovered her body once they managed to access the severely damaged interior of the house, which was estimated to have sustained around 95 percent destruction.
The property belonged to 70-year-old Shushila Wati and was being rented by 47-year-old barber Ajay Raju. Emergency authorities have indicated that the house did not have fire insurance coverage. The Acting NFA Chief Executive Officer, Joel Israel, extended his condolences to the grieving family while stating that a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the devastating blaze.
This incident adds to a concerning trend in the country, with fire-related accidents resulting in the unfortunate deaths of six women and seven men this year, including one child. As officials seek to comprehend the factors behind these tragedies, it highlights the critical importance of fire safety measures in residential areas to prevent further loss of life.
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