A 14-year-old girl heroically saved her one-year-old twin sisters from a fire that engulfed their home on Tavakubu Back Road, Lautoka, on July 2.
The fire erupted while the parents were at work, leaving the teenager and the twins alone in their one-bedroom house.
Investigations suggest the blaze was sparked by a mosquito coil that had accidentally fallen onto a pile of clothes.
Initially unaware of the danger, the girl eventually noticed the heat and smoke. She quickly acted to evacuate her sisters to a neighbor’s house.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) was alerted at 9:24pm, and firefighters arrived on the scene at 9:31pm to find the corrugated iron and timber house engulfed in flames.
Firefighters were able to contain the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures. However, the house was completely destroyed, resulting in damages estimated at $25,000.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, although the house was not insured.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane emphasized 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.