Seven people, including two children, have been left homeless after a devastating fire destroyed their six-bedroom home at Koronubu, Ba, on Wednesday morning.
The National Fire Authority says about 90 percent of the residential structure, which was constructed from a combination of concrete and corrugated iron, was damaged, with preliminary losses estimated at $60,000.
It says a mini-canteen located on the premises was also destroyed in the fire.
The house was occupied by seven people, comprising five adults and two children, at the time of the incident.
The Authority says no injuries were reported.
The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
The NFA says Ba Fire Station received a call at 8.50am reporting the fire at the property, which is located within the Ba fire boundary.
The brigade immediately responded with two fire trucks and six on-duty officers, supported by four off-duty officers, including ambulance personnel.
The Authority says that upon arrival at 9.10am, firefighters found the six-bedroom residential property fully engulfed in flames.
Firefighters immediately began firefighting operations using water from their fire trucks and a nearby fire hydrant to replenish their water supply.
The blaze was extinguished at 9.37am.
The NFA says the property was not insured and did not have an approved building plan.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane has expressed concern over the impact of the fire on the affected family, particularly the loss of their home and the displacement of the children.
Sowane says every residential fire is a serious concern for the NFA, particularly when families lose their homes and are left without a safe place to live.
He says while the Authority is thankful that no injuries have been reported, the loss suffered by the family is significant.
He adds that losing a home to fire is a distressing experience, especially when children are among those affected.
Sowane says the Authority understands the hardship the family will now face as they work towards rebuilding their lives and urges members of the community to keep them in their thoughts during this difficult time.
He says the incident also serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety, early reporting and taking preventive measures to protect lives and property.
The NFA will conduct an investigation to determine the cause of the fire.
The Authority is reminding members of the public to remain vigilant and practise fire safety at all times.
Families are urged to ensure electrical appliances and cooking equipment are used safely, avoid leaving cooking unattended and ensure everyone in the household knows how to evacuate safely in the event of a fire.
People are also reminded to call 910 in case of emergency.
