Rising residential fires spark concern as NFA urges public vigilance on fire safety

The National Fire Authority has expressed serious concern after 10 residential fires occurred this month, compared to 15 during the same period last year.

NFA says the estimated cost of the damage from these fires exceeds $350,000, compared to over $1 million in damage since September 19th of last year.

They say from January to September last year, there were 120 residential fires, but this year that number has increased to 149.

NFA says last year, 66 people were displaced by fires during the same period, but so far this month, the number is 57.

The first two fires this month occurred in Kalekana Settlement, Lami where the first house was destroyed with damages estimated at $90,000, while the second sustained 95 percent damage costing an estimated $40,000.

Another fire happened in Tomuka, Lautoka where a vacant house, popular as a drinking spot was fully destroyed with damages estimated at $22,000. This property did not have an approved building plan.

In Laselase, Sigatoka, a three-bedroom concrete and timber house was engulfed in flames, suffering nearly 100 percent damage, with losses estimated at $50,000.

Other recent fires occurred in Naidiridiri Settlement, Wainibuku, Nasinu, where 16 people were displaced, and in Voivoi, Legalega, Nadi, where a vacant house caught fire.

Last Sunday, the sixth fire occurred on Vatudova Road, Labasa, displacing a family of six.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of these fires.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane is urging the public to be vigilant about fire safety, expressing concern over the rising number of fires despite awareness campaigns in communities, schools, and homes.

He highlighted that the trend of residential fires is increasing compared to last year and called on people to practise fire prevention to reduce further losses.