A double-storey house with three flats was destroyed by a fire on Tuesday and has left more than 10 people homeless in Waiyavi, Lautoka.
According to the National Fire Authority, the fire was first noticed around 11am by a Year 3 student living in one of the three flats within the building.
The student alerted the guardian to a smoke coming from a next door flat located on the top floor.
“The flat sustained 80 per cent structural damage with the cost of damage estimated at $120,000,” a NFA report stated.
“The adjoining flat was also partly damaged, (it) had 10 occupants.
“An investigation is already underway to find the probable cause of the fire.”
Meanwhile, NFA’s chief executive officer Puamau Sowane called on Fijians to be mindful of their housekeeping methods that could become fire hazards.
“NFA’s yearly target, under our Annual Costed Operational Plan, is to reduce property fires by 5 per cent per year, simply because it is the most realistic objective,” said Mr Sowane.
“However, the concern is that despite our awareness campaigns, unwanted fires continue to occur.
“In the span of three weeks this month, 300 fire calls were reported around the country.
“The dry season is upon us, so we urge vigilance.”
Mr Sowane urged members of the public to contact the NFA’s emergency number 910 as soon as possible in the event of a fire or rescue emergency.
