A 14-year-old girl heroically rescued her one-year-old twin sisters from a devastating fire that consumed their home on Tavakubu Back Road, Lautoka, on July 2.
The fire ignited while the parents were at work, leaving the teenager and the twins alone in the one-bedroom residence.
The blaze was likely caused by a mosquito coil that had accidentally fallen onto a pile of clothes.
Unaware of the impending danger, the girl eventually noticed the heat and smoke and swiftly evacuated her sisters to a neighbor’s house.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) was alerted at 9:24 pm, and firefighters arrived at 9:31 pm to find the corrugated iron and timber house fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters managed to contain the fire, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
Unfortunately, the house was completely destroyed, with damages estimated at $25,000.
Thankfully, no one was injured, but the house was uninsured.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane underscored the importance of vigilance and fire safety, particularly when children are left at home.
“Lives are priceless compared to properties, which can be rebuilt. We urge the public to have fire prevention plans and to educate their children about fire safety,” he said.