A family in Vunivau, Labasa, suffered a significant loss when their home, valued at approximately $200,000 and built over 45 years, was consumed by fire last Friday night. Prasheel Naicker, 27, reported that his father, grandmother, and uncle were at home during the incident, which began while he was out visiting relatives in Labasa Town.

The fire reportedly started in the family’s prayer room and rapidly spread to the roof. Two passersby first noticed the flames and alerted the family. Despite Mr. Naicker’s efforts to contact the National Fire Authority (NFA) through multiple phone calls and a personal visit to the fire station, their response was delayed, resulting in a total loss for the family. “We couldn’t save anything from the house,” he expressed, reflecting the heartbreak of losing a home that took decades to build.

This incident marks the second house fire in the Northern Division within two weeks, the first occurring on New Year’s Day in Waiqele, where another family lost their home completely while they were away. That fire led to damages estimated at around $250,000 and raised concerns about potential arson, given the homeowners’ prior experience with threats.

Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed that investigations into both fires are ongoing, emphasizing the urgency to evaluate the challenges faced by emergency responders in rural areas, including insufficient resources and response capabilities. These incidents have sparked discussions about the need for improved fire safety measures in vulnerable communities.

As the affected families navigate the aftermath of these tragedies, there is hope for better fire safety protocols and community vigilance. The resilience demonstrated in their struggles highlights the strength of community support in overcoming such adversities. Comprehensive changes in fire safety practices could very well be on the horizon, fostering a safer living environment for all residents and preventing similar tragedies in the future.