A 14-year-old girl heroically saved her one-year-old twin sisters from a fire that destroyed their home on Tavakubu Back Road, Lautoka, on July 2.
The fire erupted while their parents were at work, leaving only the teenager and the twins in the one-bedroom house.
The likely cause of the blaze was a mosquito coil that had accidentally fallen onto a pile of clothes.
Unaware of the unfolding danger, the girl felt the heat and saw smoke after some time and quickly evacuated her sisters to a neighbor’s house.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) received the alert 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 blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
Despite their efforts, the house was completely destroyed, with damages estimated at $25,000.
Fortunately, there were no injuries, but the house was uninsured.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane emphasized the importance of vigilance and fire safety, especially 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.