Celebration Turns Sour as Fire Destroys Family Home
What was supposed to be a day of celebration for the family of newly-badged Suva Grammar School head girl Tuipolotu Vulimailaucala turned into tragedy.
This was when their family home was destroyed in a fire yesterday.
The Vulimailaucala family were preparing a feast to celebrate their 18-year-old daughter’s achievement.
The day started off fine with laughter and chatter, however grief ensued a little before 1pm when the fire started and consequently burned their four-bedroom home to the ground.
“My 18-year-old daughter was at home with my four-year-old when the fire started. I was at CostULess shopping when she called me saying there was a fire,” Tuipolotu’s mum Timaima Vulimailaucala told the Fiji Sun.
“As soon as she called me, I called 919 and then I called 911 for help. When I got home, I could still see that the front portion of the house had not been destroyed, but by the time the fire authorities came the whole house was gone.”
Ms Vulimailaucala said she does not know what caused the fire, but said it might have started from the middle portion of the house.
She estimates the total cost of damage at $20,000.
The Vulimailaucala family have been living in their Raiwaqa home for 12 years, since 2008. Ms Vulimailaucala also raised concerns about the efficiency of the operators of the Emergency Line when responding to calls. Police spokesperson Savaira
Tabua said in times of fire emergencies they assisted the National Fire Authority, however emergency calls were handled by the NFA. Ms Tabua also confirmed that they received a report about the fire at Bryce Street in Raiwaqa and that there were no injuries.
Police investigations on the fire are continuing.
NFA could not be reached for a comment when this edition went to press last night.