81 properties destroyed by fires

81 properties have been destroyed by fire so far this year compared to 99 last year.

According to National Fire Authority CEO John O’Connor, majority of the fires destroyed residential homes followed by commercial fires.

He added that out of the structural fires between January and November this year, 18 properties were destroyed due to electrical related issues, 12 arson cases and 46 were caused by unattended cooking, children playing with matches, mosquito coils, candles, kerosene lantern, fire ember and explosion.

O’Connor said their investigation revealed that 46 fires were due to the carefree and careless attitude of home owners and that these fires could have been easily avoided.


Story by: Praneeta Prakash