NFA rules arson in Vatuwaqa Primary School inferno

Investigators of the Vatuwaqa Primary School fire have found arson to be the cause of the morning blaze on Monday.

Investigations by the National Fire Authority revealed that the fire originated from outside the canteen area with deep charring noted on the floor joist and canteen floor.

The fire completely destroyed the canteen, Classes 1, 2 and 3 classrooms and partly damaged the Administration Office, library and class 8 classroom.

Findings have been handed over to the police for further investigation.

NFA chief executive officer, Puamau Sowane, said it was sad to note the result of the investigations particularly in disrupting the state of the minds of the exam students who were affected.

“Additionally, the inconvenience caused to the Elections office and staff as the school was a polling station for the community in that area, and most of all the new financial strain exerted to the school management to rebuild in time for school next year,” Mr Sowane said.

“We continue to urge every Fijian to be vigilant with fire safety in and around their properties and be considerate to others that will be affected.

“December is a month well known for all sorts of festivities and holidays leading up to the new year and this is when we should all be consciously aware of our surroundings, ensuring that fire safety measures are taken to prevent fire from destroying our family festivities and celebrations.”

He said NFA had attended to 9 property fires around the country over the last 12 days and it was sad to see families go through such great loss during this time of year especially when children are home for the school holidays.

“We will continue to remind parents and guardians to remain vigilant on the whereabouts and activities of their children and ensure that they are well supervised during the school holidays.”