Twelve people have been left homeless after a 58-year-old farmer from Vunayawa Settlement in Natalau, Sabeto lost his home when a fire destroyed two adjacent houses in Nadi during the early hours of yesterday morning.
The National Fire Authority has confirmed that the first property belonged to Kinijoji Vuda, while the second home belonged to Rosie Tours employee Vereimi Tidrasi.
The National Fire Authority says two fire trucks, nine firefighters and Ambulance 2, along with two duty officers, were immediately dispatched to the scene.
They say firefighters found both six-bedroom homes fully engulfed in flames, adding that the houses, built with concrete and corrugated iron materials, were destroyed.
The NFA says that although both houses were occupied at the time, no injuries were reported.
The total cost of the property and contents lost has yet to be determined.
National Fire Authority Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says the incident was heartbreaking, especially with families losing their homes and belongings.
Sowane also raises concerns over the increasing number of structural fires and fire-related deaths recorded this year, saying Fiji has already recorded 10 fire-related deaths so far.
He is urging the public to remain vigilant by practising fire safety measures such as avoiding unattended cooking, checking electrical wiring regularly, switching off appliances when not in use, and avoiding overloaded power outlets.
NFA is investigating to determine the cause of the fire.
