A 13-bedroom house burned to the ground after an early morning fire which left seven Labasa people homeless, according to an article published by The Fiji Times on November 24, 1986.
As many as 14 firemen and volunteers fought the flames with the use of two tenders for two hours, but failed to save the home.
The article stated that Sarju Prasad, chairman of the Macuata advisory council and owner of the corrugated iron, concrete and partly wooden house, was in a state of distress following the incident.
Mr Prasad, 41, openly cried with his family as the fire destroyed the house, incurring more than $100,000 worth of damage.
He tearfully said only a few belongings worth $40,000, which were insured, could be saved.
The report stated the fire began in the lounge area at around seven.
He said he was notified about the fire by neighbours after they noticed black smoke billowing from a room. The cause of the fire was unknown.
Mr Prasad, his wife Hafigan and children Sharmendra, 12, and Romina, 16, lived in the house with relatives Ram Prasad, 25, along with his wife Lata, occupying two of the bedrooms.
Unfortunately, all they had with them were the clothes they were wearing at the time.
The article stated that Hafigan went back into the house while it was on fire in an attempt to save her son Sharmendra, who was sleeping in bed.
They made it out safely.
Another two bedrooms were used by Mr Prasad as a form of bulk storage for secondhand clothes which he sold at his shop, Venus Enterprises at the RB Patel Arcade in Labasa.
He told The Fiji Times he lost three sets of settees, two stereo sets, two video decks and a TV, a fridge, a sewing machine, vacuum cleaner and a motor mower.
“The firemen came and did their best,” Mr Prasad
“I’d like to thank them very much for their help and also the neighbours who have offered us shelter and food tonight.”
