652 people displaced by fires in the first half of this year – NFA

The number of people displaced by property fires in the first half of this year has increased to 652 compared to 566 in the same period last year, according to the National Fire Authority.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says their latest analysis found that of the 85 property fires recorded from January to June this year, 95 percent involved residential homes — the same proportion as in 2024.

Last year’s 81 fires also affected a mosque, a school, a gymnasium, and a storeroom while this year’s non-residential fires included two schools and two businesses.

Sowane says they have cautioned members of the public to keep their neighbours, families or the nearest Police post informed if they leave their homes for whatever reason, even for a short time.

He says that the number of vacant homes destroyed by fire has increased by 50 percent, from six in the first half of 2024 to nine this year.

The CEO confirmed the cost of property fire damage also rose sharply — from $7.374 million last year to an estimated $10.562 million for the same period this year.