The National Fire Authority worked hard to prevent a major fire in Suva City this morning following a fire that started in the J Santaram Supermarket Bulk store along Robertson Road.
The Authority says that the Suva fire team was supported by Valelevu, Nausori, Pacific Harbour and Navua Fire Station fire teams who were all deployed to aggressively fight the fire, particularly given the high level of economic activity in the area.
Fire Authority has confirmed that the fire at the J Santaram Bulk store was intense and caused the fire to spread through the roof of the Bulk store into the adjacent Lotus Garment's three‑storey building.
NFA says that efforts by the firefighters stopped the fire from spreading into the J Santaram Supermarket on the ground floor, the Tebara Building, the Bargain Box outlet and Reverend John Hunt Buildings.
NFA also revealed that the high content of flammable material such as bales of cloth, clothing and consumables made it difficult for firefighters to fully extinguish the fire.
It says that a total of five Fire trucks and forty‑five firefighters were engaged to put out the fire.
Chief Fire Officer Qionilau Moceitai said it is very important for businesses to be mindful of fire safety at all times.
He says it is very important for business owners to check their business and ensure that all fire ignition sources are put out properly, electrical equipment are switched off properly and most importantly businesses should follow good housekeeping practices to avoid a fire from happening.
National Fire Authority says fire investigations will be conducted later.
