7 deaths including an infant in the first three weeks of this month

Seven people, including an infant, have died, and more than 700 fire calls were recorded by the National Fire Authority in the first three weeks of this month.

NFA is alarmed by the rising number of fire incidents across Fiji, with 707 fire calls recorded nationwide between October 1st and 22nd.

In response to the alarming figures, the NFA says the numbers reflect an urgent need for the public to take greater responsibility in preventing fires.

They say the Western Division recorded 334 fire calls resulting in four deaths, the Northern Division reported 365 fires with one death, and the Central Division recorded eight fires with two deaths.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says the current statistics are deeply concerning and highlight a pattern of preventable fires that continue to claim innocent lives and destroy families’ livelihoods.

He says these numbers are not just statistics, they represent lives lost, homes destroyed and communities suffering.

Sowane says every single one of these fires could have been prevented with more caution, awareness, and responsibility.

He adds that preliminary investigations reveal the majority of fire incidents in the Western and Northern Divisions were bushfires, triggered mainly by careless burning, improper waste disposal, and unattended open flames during this prolonged dry spell.

He further adds that in the Central Division, structural fires remain a key concern, often caused by unattended cooking, electrical faults, and careless use of candles, mosquito coils, and gas appliances.

The CEO says that for the tragic Yacata Island fire on October 16th, which claimed the life of an infant, they were unable to respond due to the island’s remoteness, emphasising the need for community-level preparedness and fire safety awareness in maritime and rural areas.

Sowane says the current data is a stark warning that complacency and neglect are costing lives.

He says this is not just an NFA issue, it’s a national concern.

They continue to respond to hundreds of fire calls every month, but they cannot be everywhere at once.

He also says the public must take fire prevention seriously and turn off stoves and electrical appliances when not in use, never burn rubbish carelessly, and always have an escape plan.

He adds that with the continuing dry weather conditions, the risk of bush and grass fires remains extremely high, particularly in the Western and Northern Divisions.

The CEO says one spark in these dry conditions can quickly spread and destroy entire properties or communities.

They are urging everyone to report any sign of fire immediately to 910.

The Authority continues to remind the public that fire safety is a shared responsibility, and preventing fires starts at home. Members of the public are encouraged to contact their nearest fire station for fire safety advice, community awareness programs, and home fire safety visits.