The National Fire Authority confirms the preliminary information suggests the gas cylinder explosion at Zamzam Restaurant in Samabula may have started while a technician was repairing a gas line valve.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane described the incident as a serious reminder of the dangers associated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) when safety procedures are not strictly followed.
He says upon arrival at the restaurant, NFA crews confirmed that a 180kg Blue Gas cylinder was on fire.
Sowane says the firefighters immediately got to work, deploying hose lines from the fire truck’s tank supply and successfully extinguished the blaze by 11:52am.
The operation also involved shutting off the cylinder valve to eliminate the fuel source.
The fire was contained within seven minutes.
5 people were attended to by NFA paramedics and transported to hospital for further medical assessment.
2 people remain on life support at the CWM Hospital.
Sowane says while gas-related fires may not be the leading cause of fires in Fiji, they are among the most dangerous and destructive when they occur.
He says they have seen in past cases that even a minor gas leak, if ignited, can result in total property loss within minutes.
Sowane stresses that although electrical faults, unattended cooking, and arson remain the top causes of fires, gas-related incidents continue to pose a significant threat, particularly in kitchens where gas may accumulate unnoticed.
He says in 2025 alone, Fiji recorded 186 property fires.
Sowane says while most were linked to electrical issues, gas-related fires have frequently been associated with cooking activities or faulty equipment such as worn-out hoses, regulators, and valves.
Historical incidents further highlight the severity of such risks.
These include the 2020 Suva Flea Market fire, believed to have been caused by a leaking gas valve, and a 2022 Vatuwaqa house fire where a suspected gas leak ignited while a stove was being lit resulting in the complete destruction of the property.
The NFA is urging business operators and members of the public to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to fire safety practices.
They recommend to always store gas cylinders in well-ventilated outdoor areas, away from heat sources, regularly check for leaks using soapy water—never use open flames, turn off cylinder valves when not in use, replace rubber hoses and regulators periodically, especially in Fiji’s humid climate, ensure all gas installations and repairs are carried out by licensed professionals.
The NFA says for commercial kitchens, strict compliance with fire safety regulations is mandatory under national laws and building codes.
This includes proper LPG storage, adequate ventilation, regular maintenance, and having appropriate firefighting equipment readily available.
Sowane also emphasizes the importance of staff preparedness.
He says business owners must ensure their staff are trained to handle emergencies.
Sowane says knowing how to respond calmly and correctly can make the difference between a minor incident and a major disaster.
The NFA continues to conduct inspections and enforce compliance to ensure fire safety standards are upheld across the country.
