A family of three has been left homeless after their three-bedroom house was destroyed by fire on Boxing Day morning in Carreras, Votualevu, Nadi.
The National Fire Authority says it received the report at 8.39am via a landline call from a member of the public and immediately responded with two fire appliances and nine on-duty firefighters, who arrived at the scene at 8.48am to find the residential home fully engulfed in flames.
The Authority says the concrete house with corrugated iron roofing posed a serious risk of fire spreading to nearby properties, and firefighters quickly established suppression operations, deploying one 64mm and one 38mm hose line from tank supply to contain the blaze.
They say a nearby fire hydrant was later accessed, allowing the Brigade to strengthen efforts with two additional hose lengths, and the fire was successfully brought under control, preventing damage to neighbouring structures.
The property is owned by 58-year-old Arveen Kumar, a mechanic employed by Safeway Taxi, and initial information indicates that Kumar and a tenant were consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
NFA says the house sustained approximately 80 per cent structural damage, with the estimated total loss, including contents, valued at $80,000.
The property was not insured, and no injuries were reported.
The Authority says a fire investigation will be carried out to determine the suspected cause of the fire.
NFA Acting CEO, Joel Israel says that while they are relieved no injuries were reported, the loss of a home is significant and deeply concerning, particularly at this time of year.
He says incidents such as this highlight the serious consequences of fire and the importance of responsible behaviour and fire safety awareness at all times.
Israel also commended the responding firefighters and reiterated the Authority’s appeal for increased public vigilance, especially in areas outside established fire boundaries.
The National Fire Authority is urging the public to take fire safety seriously and to report emergencies immediately to help reduce the risk to life and property.
