Quick response by firefighters saved homes and businesses near Autoworld Trading Fiji Ltd’s Vatuwaqa warehouse from being engulfed by a raging fire that destroyed the facility yesterday.
Fuelled by strong winds, the fire, which began before 6am, spread through the entire building and also destroyed the company garage, along with all the equipment and vehicles parked inside.
Provina Temo, 30, who lives next to the warehouse, said the scene was chaotic at around 6am when neighbours alerted her family by shouting.
“We don’t know exactly when the fire started because we were still asleep,” she said.
“By the time we rushed outside, the fire was already burning fiercely at the back of the building, very close to our house.”
Ms Temo recounted her family’s quick efforts to evacuate their children and remove hazardous items, including a gas cylinder, to prevent further danger.
“The flames were high, and it was very scary.
“We were worried about our home and thankful it was spared. My mother-in-law and others were in tears, but we praise God for keeping us safe.”
The National Fire Authority and police are investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the damage sustained.
