A family in Vunivau, Labasa, suffered a tragic loss when their home, valued at approximately $200,000 and built over 45 years, was destroyed by fire last Friday night. Twenty-seven-year-old Prasheel Naicker reported that his father, grandmother, and uncle were at home during the fire while he was attending a gathering in Labasa Town.

The blaze originated in the family’s prayer room and quickly spread to the roof. Fortunately, two passersby spotted the flames and alerted the family. Despite Naicker’s urgent efforts to contact the National Fire Authority (NFA) through multiple phone calls and even a personal trip to the fire station, the response came too late to salvage any belongings. Naicker expressed disappointment, noting that a quicker response could have potentially mitigated their loss.

This incident marks the second significant house fire in the Northern Division within just two weeks. The first occurred on New Year’s Day in Waiqele, Labasa, where another family lost their home while they were away, resulting in estimated damages of around $250,000. These fires have raised concerns about fire safety and emergency response capabilities in rural areas, highlighting the need for improvements.

Acting Divisional Police Commander North, Superintendent Eroni Soqosoqo, confirmed ongoing investigations into both incidents. The community is hoping that these tragic events will lead to enhanced fire safety measures and preparedness, aiming to prevent such devastating losses in the future.

The resilience shown by the affected families and the support from their community offer a glimmer of hope for positive changes in fire safety protocols. It is crucial for communities, especially in vulnerable areas, to prioritize fire prevention and responsiveness, fostering a safer environment for all residents.