Our firefighters are our unsung heroes – Ratu Wiliame

President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere has congratulated the National Fire Authority for 100 years of service and acknowledged past and present firefighters, and officers that dedicated their lives to serving and saving lives in Fiji.

while officiating at the Fiji Fire Service celebrating 100 years of service in Fiji, Ratu Wiliame says these anniversary celebrations are a time of acknowledging and remembering the founding members of Fiji’s Fire Service who established the force from very humble beginnings.

He also says the NFA has come a long way to reach this milestone achievement and with its many stakeholders remain devoted to its responsibility to establish and maintain an efficient and effective fire rescue service in Fiji that will protect lives, property and economic activities as legally mandated under the National Fire Service Act, 1994.

The President adds he would like to acknowledge those who have worked over the years to ensure the longevity of and fulfil the vision for a strong legacy.

The National Fire Authority was established in February 1995, prior to that, fire services were handled by the respective town councils.

With 21 fire stations operating around the country now, the Head of State says Fiji’s Fire Service community has come a long way since its humble beginnings 100 years ago.

To date, the NFA has included the provision of emergency ambulance services in 2010 and had acquired land spaces and plans to establish more fire stations in Namelimeli (Navua), Navua CBD, Pacific Harbor (Deuba), Korovisilou (Serua), Nasaibitu (Wainibuka), Kabisi (Natadola), Keiyasi (Navosa), Navakai (Nadi) and in Tavua with plans underway to acquire some land in Matei (Taveuni) and also in Vanua Levu.

“The fire stations will cater to the growing population and development in these areas and most importantly improve coverage and allow accessibility of such essential services to all citizens of our beloved Fiji, both in the rural and urban areas.

Ratu Wiliame says there are plans in place to construct the country’s first ever state-of-the-art Fire Academy at Navakai, Nadi, and this will serve as a hub to facilitate regular speciliased training for local firefighters.

He also says our firefighters are truly our unsung heroes who go about their daily duties ready to face any risk that may arise during their duty roster.

Ratu Wiliame adds for them it is all in a day’s work, but for Fiji, we acknowledge with much gratitude their loyalty and courage to face whatever may come their way.