STUDENTS of Ami Chandra Memorial Primary School in Lautoka are expected to stay home for the next two days after a fire at the school on Saturday night destroyed four classrooms, a library and storeroom .
A statement released by the Education Ministry last night confirmed the school was empty at the time of the fire and that no one was injured.
“In total, four classrooms serving students in Years 1, 2 and 3, and the library building were destroyed in the fire.
“The National Fire Authority (NFA) and the Fiji Police Force have already begun investigations into the cause of the fire,” the ministry said.
“Personnel from the Ministry of Education, Office of the Commissioner Western Division and Republic of Fiji Military Forces are on standby to begin clearing debris once clearance is granted from the NFA and Police.
“The Ami Chandra Memorial Primary School will be closed for at least the next two days (January 22-23) as investigations are carried out and debris is removed.
“The Ministry of Education is currently mobilising resources to supply the school with textbooks, desks, chairs and temporary classroom structures.”
The ministry would provide regular updates for parents and students regarding the re-opening of the school.
Meanwhile, the NFA said the Lautoka Fire Station received an emergency call from the school at 7.10 pm.
“The team immediately responded and arrived at the scene at 7.19 pm and saw the middle section of the building, which consisted of the library, storeroom and classrooms, were fully engulfed in flames,” said chief fire officer Qionilau Moceitai.
“The team used water from the fire trucks and also used a fire hydrant in the area to extinguish the fire.
“Strong winds at that time resulted in the fire spreading quickly to other classrooms which were attached to the same building.
“The team fought the fire and were able to contain it in the middle section of the building and stopped it from spreading to the other four classrooms, administration office and staff room.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said there were no leads yet on the cause of the fire.
She said they were awaiting the completion of NFA’s investigation.
