An elderly couple have tragically passed away in a fire in Valemasima Road, Votualevu, Nadi early this morning.
They resided with their son Uden Chand, his wife and son.
The National Fire Authority says the family had returned from their bakery business at around 11.30pm and retired for the night before the fire broke out.
Chand says his wife woke up to the smell of smoke, prompting the immediate evacuation of their child and while attempting to rescue his parents from the front of the house, he was prevented by the extreme heat and flames.
He also reported that the front door was locked from the outside, hindering rescue efforts.
NFA says the Nadi Fire Station received an emergency call at 12.16am, relayed by a Police Constable, reporting the house fire.
They say fire crews arrived at 12.38am to find the four-bedroom partially concrete and tin (ripped drum) house completely engulfed in flames and fire rapidly spreading towards an adjacent property.
NFA says despite the crew’s swift actions, the home was already fully engulfed by fire.
They say family members alerted the brigade that two elderly occupants were still inside the house.
The Authority says firefighters battled the blaze under intense heat and heavy smoke, working to stop further spread and protect neighbouring homes and were able to bring it under control at 3.09am, and the final extinguishing operations were completed shortly after.
Tragically, the parents, 64-year-old Uday Chand and 65-year-old Gyan Wati, were unable to escape and lost their lives in the fire.
The fire completely destroyed the home, with an estimated damage cost of $100,000.
NFA says their Fire Investigation Team will conduct a full investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
While expressing their deep condolence to the family, the NFA is urging all communities to remain vigilant, prioritise fire safety in their homes, and ensure that escape routes and exits always remain accessible.
CEO Puamau Sowane says losing two lives in a house fire is a heartbreaking reminder of how swiftly a fire can take hold and how devastating the consequences can be.
He says the family's loss is profound, and they stand with them in this time of grief.
Sowane has also acknowledge the courage and commitment of the firefighters, who worked under extreme conditions to contain the blaze and protect nearby homes.
He stresses that the incident reinforces the urgent ongoing message that fire safety must be a priority in every household across Fiji as a fire can grow and spread within seconds.
The CEO says early detection, clear escape routes, accessible exits, and safe electrical practices are critical protection tools that every family must adopt.
Sowane says the heartbreaking reality of this case, where the front door was locked from the outside and escape routes compromised, shows how even a single overlooked safety measure can cost lives.
The CEO is encouraging all families to review their fire safety plans, ensure exits are never obstructed or locked externally, check electrical wiring, and remain alert to hazards.
Sowane adds that as they await the findings of the fire investigation, let this tragedy serve as a wake-up call for all communities that fire does not discriminate, and it gives no warning and that preparedness, awareness, and responsible practices save lives.
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