10 people have died in fire-related incidents in the first six months of this year, compared to 13 deaths recorded last year, as National Fire Authority CEO Puamau Sowane raises serious concerns.
Speaking on VITIFM's Vakaribamalamala programme, Sowane said that from 2021 to 2025, and including the first half of this year, 43 people have lost their lives in fires, comprising 15 women and 28 men.
He said that over the past nine years, 37 youths and six infants have died in fire incidents.
Sowane highlighted that one of the concerning trends this year is that many victims died while asleep. By the time they woke up, their homes were already fully engulfed in flames, leaving them with little or no chance of escape.
The CEO cited a fire in Nadi earlier this year that claimed the lives of a family after sparks from cane burning spread to their home.
He said the family woke up to find their house fully engulfed in flames and attempted to escape, but the windows were fitted with burglar bars, preventing them from getting out.
Sowane added that when firefighters extinguished the blaze, they found the family huddled together in a bathtub.
The CEO also urged people to exercise caution when heating food after returning home from a grog or drinking session.
He said the tragic fire in Baulevu earlier this year, which claimed the lives of four people, including a three-year-old child, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers.
Sowane revealed that over the past nine years, 51 percent of fires occurred in urban areas, while 49 percent occurred in rural communities.
He said that between 90 and 95 percent of fires occurred in residential homes, with only 5 to 10 percent occurring in commercial or industrial buildings.
According to Sowane, one reason for the lower number of fires in commercial and industrial buildings is that businesses are required to undergo annual fire safety training and obtain a Fire Safety Certificate before they can continue operating.
He added that the NFA is conducting awareness and outreach programmes in communities to ensure people are equipped with fire safety knowledge.
Sowane also said that in areas outside municipal boundaries, the Authority has established a network of fire wardens who serve as first responders and assist their communities in the event of a fire.
