Minister for Local Government Premila Kumar says the total cost of damage due to fires for the first 5 months of 2020 is over $10 million which is alarming.
Kumar highlighted this during the opening of the new Lami Fire Station.
She says the National Fire Authority has attended to a total of 44 structural fires from January to May this year.
Kumar says there were four commercial fires during this period which includes the major fire at the Flea Market in Suva, Gafoor Building in Rakiraki and the 40 residential fires around Fiji.
She says it is sad to see that these fires have robbed the comfort and security of Fijians.
Kumar says active community engagement is part of strengthening fire awareness and ensuring proactive measures are in place before disasters occur.
She is encouraging Fijians to get their homes and businesses checked once again by a qualified electrician and to install fire alarms.
Kumar says the challenges in the field of firefighting also involves building a relationship between organisations and the general public.
She says NFA cannot fight this alone as it requires the full commitment of all Fijians to keep their homes a safe place to live in.
Kumar also urged everyone to take every precautionary measure to make their homes, workplace, and businesses fire-safe.
