A family of four in Ba is now homeless after their home was destroyed by fire on Monday evening.
The National Fire Authority says it responded to a structural fire at Tauvegavega in Ba after receiving a report from Ba Police Station through its station landline at around 8:27pm.
The Ba Brigade immediately responded with two fire appliances, six on-duty officers, three off-duty officers and ambulance personnel.
Firefighters arrived at the scene at around 8:45pm and found a lean-to structure fully engulfed in flames.
The Brigade established a water supply from the appliance tank and worked to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to surrounding areas.
The fire was successfully contained and extinguished using two tank supplies.
NFA says the affected lean-to structure was constructed mainly of corrugated iron and timber, with an estimated floor area of five metres by five metres.
The structure sustained an estimated 90 percent damage, while the cost of the damage is yet to be determined.
NFA says two adults and two children were at the property at the time of the incident, but no injuries were reported.
However, all four occupants have been left homeless as a result of the fire.
Police personnel were also at the scene.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says the incident is another reminder of the devastating impact structural fires can have on families and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent fires.
He says while they are relieved that no injuries were reported, a fire can destroy more than just a physical structure, taking away a family’s belongings, security and sense of home within minutes.
Sowane says four people have been displaced in this case, which is a serious consequence for any family.
He says fire prevention must begin in every household and should not be treated as the responsibility of the fire service alone.
Sowane says families need to be aware of potential fire hazards in and around their homes, particularly electrical connections and appliances, cooking activities, open flames, candles and other ignition sources.
He says simple precautions, regular checks and responsible behaviour can significantly reduce the risk of fires.
Sowane also stressed the importance of reporting fires immediately, saying the earlier a call is received, the sooner firefighters can respond and contain a fire before it spreads.
He is urging members of the public to call the National Emergency Number 910 whenever they see a fire or any situation requiring emergency assistance.
Sowane says firefighters remain committed to protecting lives and property, but prevention remains their strongest defence.
He is encouraging every household to make fire safety a daily priority and ensure everyone in the family, including children, knows what to do in the event of a fire.
The suspected cause of the fire has not yet been established, and the NFA will conduct an investigation to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NFA continues to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and take all necessary fire safety precautions to protect their homes, families and communities.
