Fire safety watch
FOUR residential fires were recorded by the National Fire Authority (NFA) on Christmas Day, prompting the NFA to issue a call of caution to all Fijians this festive season.
All four structural fires are under investigation.
In two separate incidents, NFA attended to two house fires at Nausori in the Central Division and Labasa in Vanua Levu on Christmas Eve.
However, no injuries were sustained as the houses were vacant at the time of the incidents. Both twobedroom houses were destroyed.
On Christmas Day, just two minutes after midnight, the NFA responded to a call regarding a house fire in Saweni, Lautoka, where the occupant fell asleep while waiting for his dinner to cook. The occupant escaped uninjured.
Around 2.55am on the same day, NFA in Ba responded to a fire report at Sorokoba Village, where a three-bedroom concrete structure belonging to two elderly women was destroyed. No injuries were recorded as the house was vacant.
NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said it was sad to see people losing their homes, belongings and properties, especially during Christmas.
“Three of these recent fire incidents attended to by NFA involved vacant homes and we continue to urge every home owner to be vigilant and keep a watch on all fire safety practices in their homes whether vacant or occupied,” Mr Sowane said.
“Fire threatens everyone’s lives and properties and we should also be mindful of our neighbouring homes and properties.
“I urge the public to identify the fire hazards in your homes and to seek advice from the team at your nearest fire station.
“We are still enjoying Christmas and yet homes are being destroyed by fire.”
With impending New Year celebrations, Mr Sowane urged members of the public to be mindful of their surroundings and celebrate responsibly.
“Let us all safeguard our homes against fire and look forward to the New Year with great expectations for a promising journey into the year 2023.
“We are always here to help and we urge the public to adhere to all precautionary measures and avoid such incidents from happening.”
To report incidence of fire, members of the public are to contact the toll-free fire emergency number, 910.
Let us all safeguard our homes against fire and look
forward to the New Year with great expectations for a promising journey into the
year 2023
– Mr Puamau Sowane