A vacant home in Naikabula, Lautoka, was completely destroyed by a fire, leading the National Fire Authority (NFA) to issue a warning to property owners about the hazards posed by unattended buildings. Firefighters from the Lautoka Fire Station responded promptly to the emergency at 1:18 PM on February 24, arriving within seven minutes to find the three-bedroom house fully engulfed in flames.
The firefighting crew used two hose lines and refilled their equipment from a nearby hydrant to manage the blaze, successfully bringing it under control by 1:30 PM. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane emphasized the heightened fire risks associated with vacant and unmonitored properties. He pointed out that factors such as deteriorating electrical systems, unauthorized access, accumulated waste, overgrown vegetation, and potential deliberate acts contribute to such dangers. Sowane particularly urged homeowners, especially those residing abroad, to take responsibility for supervising, maintaining, and securing their properties.
Adding to the urgency, Sowane noted that the house had reportedly been ablaze for almost an hour before authorities were notified. “Time is a decisive factor in firefighting. The earlier we are notified, the greater the chance of containing the fire,” he stressed.
In light of these incidents, a formal investigation has been initiated to establish the cause of the fire. The NFA hopes that increased awareness among property owners will lead to more safety measures being implemented, potentially preventing similar occurrences in the future.
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