Treasure Island Resort, situated 18 kilometers from Lautoka, recently experienced devastating damage estimated at $1 million due to a fire that swept through its central complex during the night. The blaze destroyed essential facilities including the kitchen, powerhouse, dining room, lounge, and office spaces.
According to Dan Costello, managing director of Islands in the Sun, the fire erupted around 8 PM, although the precise cause is still unknown. Flames were initially observed emerging from the powerhouse and kitchen areas. At the time of the incident, approximately 100 guests and 40 staff members were present in the building, all of whom managed to evacuate safely. However, valuables stored in the resort’s safe, such as passports, travelers’ cheques, and cash, were lost, although some jewelry worth $20,000 belonging to a guest was successfully recovered.
The fire was intense enough to be seen from Lautoka, prompting Mr. Costello to head to the island shortly after being informed around 8:30 PM. Staff from both Treasure Island and nearby Beachcomber Island, totaling about 110 individuals, worked diligently until midnight to combat the flames using fire extinguishers and seawater from pumps.
Significant damage was done; the heat cracked the boutique’s glass windows and scorched surrounding trees. There was considerable concern for the adjacent lounge and bar, but staff successfully protected that structure by soaking its thatched roof. Fortunately, none of the guest accommodations were at risk, though approximately 60 guests nearest the fire were relocated to Beachcomber Island for the night. The only reported injury was a woman who sustained a leg gash after tripping in the dark when the power went out, requiring four stitches for treatment.
In the aftermath, generators in a secondary powerhouse were activated, with the management expecting to restore lighting by the same evening. Plans were also set in motion for a temporary kitchen to be operational by lunchtime, with guests being temporarily accommodated and fed at Beachcomber Island. Mr. Costello classified the fire as an accident.
Guest Cathy Cotchin from Melbourne recounted the incident, noting she was about to order dinner when smoke billowed from the bar. Diners evacuated without panic, and candles were distributed once the power failed. She also mentioned the alarming sounds of exploding gas bottles, with some guests being ferried to Beachcomber Island for safety.
This incident marks one of the more significant resort-related mishaps recorded in the Mamanuca Islands during that period, highlighting the challenges faced by hospitality venues in responding to emergencies and ensuring guest safety. Efforts from the staff and support from nearby facilities underline the community’s resilience in the face of such disasters, fostering a spirit of cooperation and hope for a swift recovery.
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