NFA urges public to be cautious and avoid residential fires
The National Fire Authority (NFA) chief executive officer Puamau Sowane has called on all residents and visitors to our country to prioritise fire safety, particularly during this festive season celebrations.
“By all means, we need to use fire to cook, to make lovo, for baking, for BBQ and even light firecrackers during this season, but we must avoid activities that would aggravate the spread of small fires into major fires that can destroy homes and even precious lives,” he said.
“According to our records, in a span of 11 months from January to the end of November this year, a total of 123 structural fire incidents were recorded, a 9 per cent increase when compared to 113 structural fires for the same period last year.”
He said of the 123 structural fire incidents for the 11 months this year a total of 109 were residential fires while 14 were commercial fire incidents.
“In other words, 89 per cent of the structural fire incidents this year were residential homes on fire, a slight reduction when compared to 91 per cent residential fires last year. The total cost of damage due to these fires has been estimated at $15.4 million,” Mr Sowane said.
He said that was over $15 million worth of years of hard work lost to fire and reduced to ashes.
“Analysis of the fire statistics in the past two years, just for the months of the festive season from November to January, revealed an increasing trend in fires occurring during that period. Alarmingly, NFA has already attended to a total of 25 fires for the period from 1st November to 21st December 2022,” he said.
He said further analysis of the statistics revealed that the main causes of fires for just this three month period of festivities comprised 34 per cent for electrical-related, 12 per cent arson and unattended cooking was 10 per cent.
“These fire causes can be avoided if we take extra precautions and ensure not to overload power points, switch off appliances when not in use and if you are unsure, have your house wiring checked by a licensed electrician,” Mr Sowane said.
“We urge everyone to be mindful of fire safety when putting up Christmas lights, when lighting fires outdoors for your Lovo or BBQ and when lighting firecrackers, seek advice if you are not sure.”