People have been reminded about the importance of fire safety and how they can take extra precautions to avoid unwanted fire incidents during Diwali and into December.
152 structural fire incidents were recorded compared to 182 for the same period last year.
While speaking at the National Fire Authority Headquarters at Walu Bay, CEO, Sowane Puamau says the top three causes of fire were identified, electrical consistently remains the highest, arson is the second highest and unattended cooking.
Puamau says from January to September this year the estimated cost of damage of $20.2 million.
He says as we are also preparing for Diwali, there will be a lot of use of oil lamps, candles, fireworks and electrical decorations.
The NFA is urging people to be aware of the dangers involved in the use of candles and Diya in their homes and surroundings. The CEO says a fire cannot start by itself and it falls on all of us to practice fire safety and to follow proper precautionary measures to avoid fire incidents.
He also encourages the public to purchase small fire extinguishers and place them in their home.
