46 people lost their lives in fire incidents from 2016 to 2020 – Kumar

46 people lost their lives in fire incidents from 2016 to 2020.

This was highlighted by the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Community Development, Premila Kumar while giving a ministerial statement on the Integrated Community Fire Warden and Emergency Framework.

Kumar says in 2021, there were 3 deaths as a result of a house fire.

She further says an analysis of emergency response statistics over the last 5 years revealed that the National Fire Authority responded to an average of over 4,600 calls.

Kumar added that of greater concern is the number of structural fire that has occurred.

She also says there was a slight decrease in structural fires in 2020 when compared to 2019.

Kumar adds there was a significant drop in commercial property fires in 2020 compared to 2019.

She also says the NFA’s Integrated Community Fire Warden and Emergency Framework meets the challenges of educating Fijians on fire safety to mitigate and minimise the number of fires in Fiji.

Kumar also says the Framework will be rolled out covering a total of 1,193 villages, and settlements that are under the ambit of 302 District Advisory Councillors.