A family of four has lost their three-bedroom home and belongings after a fire destroyed their house at Nanenivuda Village in Seaqaqa yesterday morning.
Homeowner Sairusi Batisaresare told fijivillage News that no one was inside the house when the fire broke out, as his family members had already left for work.
Batisaresare says the house was completely destroyed, with nothing left, and estimates the total loss at $60,000.
He says firefighters arrived at the scene but were unable to save the house due to the intensity of the flames.
He says the cause of the fire remains unknown, and the National Fire Authority and police are investigating the incident.
Batisaresare has also thanked firefighters and police for their response and support.
Anyone wishing to assist the family can send donations through M-Paisa on 2566596.
The National Fire Authority says the Seaqaqa Fire Station received a call at 10.37am reporting a house fire at Nawavu Settlement.
The NFA says firefighters responded with a fire truck carrying a 2,000-litre water tank and four crew members, and upon arrival, found the three-bedroom wooden house fully engulfed in flames.
They say firefighters used three tankloads of water to extinguish the blaze.
The house, measuring approximately 40 feet by 30 feet, was constructed primarily of timber and corrugated iron and had an electricity connection, and approximately 80 per cent of the structure sustained fire damage.
The suspected cause of the fire remains under investigation.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane is urging households to take greater responsibility for fire prevention as the Authority continues to respond to fire incidents across the country.
Sowane says fire safety must remain a priority in every household, particularly in communities where homes are constructed using timber and other combustible materials that allow fires to spread rapidly.
He says fire prevention begins at home, and a fire can spread within minutes, putting lives, homes and entire communities at risk.
Sowane is urging the public to take essential precautions, including checking electrical wiring and appliances, avoiding overloaded power boards, switching off electrical equipment when not in use and never leaving cooking unattended.
He also says families should ensure everyone in the household knows what to do in the event of a fire and has a safe escape plan.
Sowane stresses that early reporting is critical and encourages the public to call 910 immediately if they discover a fire.
The NFA is also reminding the public that dry and windy conditions can contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
Residents are encouraged to remain alert, eliminate potential fire hazards and report fire incidents without delay.
The Authority says it will continue to emphasise fire prevention and preparedness to help protect lives, property and communities throughout Fiji.
