The National Fire Authority is encouraging building and business owners to have their properties monitored by the NFA as part of proactive fire safety management, following the structural fire incident at Namoli House along Tukani Street in Lautoka.
The NFA says the structural fire incident was successfully contained through the swift and coordinated response of firefighters, preventing further damage and ensuring public safety.
It says the incident, which occurred on Friday, 9th January, involved the Energy Fiji Limited Customer Care Services server room.
The NFA says the Lautoka Fire Control received the emergency call at 11:54am through the NFA Command Centre, and with favourable weather conditions at the time and the location situated within the established fire boundary, crews were immediately mobilised.
Firefighters arrived at the scene within minutes and were met with heavy smoke emanating from the server room area.
Recognising the heightened risks associated with enclosed spaces and electrical infrastructure, NFA officers immediately donned breathing apparatus and entered the building to locate the seat of the fire.
The NFA says suppression operations were carried out with precision, while ventilation efforts were undertaken to disperse smoke and minimise further damage within the structure.
It says although a nearby fire hydrant was utilised, low water pressure required additional operational support, and an F-44 appliance was deployed to maintain an effective water supply.
The fire was fully extinguished by mid-afternoon, with NFA crews remaining on site to conduct safety checks before returning to station operations later in the day.
The NFA says the building, owned by Popular Furniture, is occupied by Energy Fiji Limited and The Fiji Times.
It says while the server room sustained extensive damage, no injuries were reported.
The NFA also says the first floor of the building, occupied by The Fiji Times, was not affected by the fire, and initial assessments indicate the damage was largely confined to the server room, with further evaluations ongoing to determine the extent of smoke-related impact to other areas of the building.
NFA Acting Chief Executive Officer, Joel Israel, says they treat incidents of this nature with the utmost seriousness, particularly when they involve commercial premises and critical infrastructure.
He says the swift response by firefighters was instrumental in containing the fire and preventing it from spreading further.
Israel further emphasised that early fire detection and prevention systems are critical for commercial buildings, as required under the National Building Code of Fiji, noting that such measures significantly reduce fire risks and potential losses.
He highlighted that all business and building owners must ensure their properties are inspected, certified by the NFA, and issued with a valid Certificate of Compliance.
He says this is a legal requirement and a key step in ensuring public safety.
He further says that fire safety training and evacuation drills are compulsory for commercial buildings, urging employers to ensure their workers undergo regular workplace fire safety training and participate in fire evacuation drills.
He adds that preparedness saves lives and business owners must ensure their staff are trained and familiar with evacuation procedures.
The Acting CEO says fire drills are not optional; they are essential.
Israel also reiterated the importance of early reporting, urging the public and businesses alike to dial 910 immediately at the first sign of smoke or fire.
He says early notification allows the NFA to respond swiftly and effectively, reducing the risk of extensive damage and protecting lives.
The Acting NFA CEO says a formal fire investigation will be conducted to determine the suspected cause of the incident.
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