The National Fire Authority (NFA) has reported that between January 2019 and October 15, 2024, 22 school buildings across the country suffered damage exceeding 90 percent due to fires. In response, NFA CEO Puamau Sowane announced plans to enhance inspections of schools to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. He emphasized the importance of school management and the government investing in property insurance to protect educational investments.
Sowane noted that significant investments in education have been jeopardized by recent fires, posing risks especially when children are present in school facilities. He highlighted that insurance provides a means to secure investments in buildings, equipment, and the safety of staff and students.
Moreover, the NFA is partnering with government architects to ensure that all public buildings, especially schools, adhere to the minimum fire safety standards set by the National Building Code of Fiji. The agency is also collecting data from the Ministry of Education on the ages of various school blocks to provide tailored fire safety advice based on the specific risks related to older buildings. This initiative is deemed a high priority by Mr. Sowane.