Claims from the business community that Fiji’s firefighters are ineffective are incorrect and unwarranted.
National Fire Authority CEO Puamau Sowane made these comments while responding to allegations from Wallson Complex tenants claiming that firefighters arrived at the Tax-Free Zone without water during the fire at Valelevu Tax-Free Zone.
Sowane says the business community needs to reflect on their fire safety practices, as the NFA regularly advises on measures to ensure properties are fire-safe.
He says Fiji has some of the best-trained firefighters in the South Pacific, supported by significant investments.
Sowane explained that firefighters rely on water, but nearby hydrants often lack the required pressure of 1,000 litres of water per minute.
He says low-pressure hydrants delayed efforts, forcing them to call the Water Authority to boost supply.
While acknowledging the challenges, Sowane expressed disappointment that firefighters are often blamed for factors beyond their control, reaffirming their commitment to serving the community.
Meanwhile, Hot Bread Kitchen's Managing Director Vanessa Charters praised the National Fire Authority and Police who have done an excellent job of protecting life and limb in extremely trying conditions.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and the response are currently underway.
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