Treasure Island Resort, located 18 kilometres off Lautoka, suffered an estimated $1 million in damage when a night-time fire destroyed its central complex, wiping out the kitchen, powerhouse, dining room, lounge, and offices.
An article in The Fiji Times on April 30, 1984, quoted managing director of Islands in the Sun, Dan Costello as saying the blaze began around 8pm in the concrete, timber, and iron structure, though the exact point of ignition was not known. Flames were first seen coming from the powerhouse and kitchen area.
About 100 guests and 40 staff were inside the building at the time, but all managed to escape without injury. Passports, travellers’ cheques, and cash stored in the resort safe were destroyed, although jewellery valued at $20,000 belonging to a guest was recovered.
The fire was visible from Lautoka and Mr Costello said he made his way to the island as soon as he was notified at about 8.30pm. Staff from Treasure Island and nearby Beachcomber Island — about 110 people in total — worked until midnight, using the fire extinguishers and pumping seawater to contain the blaze.
The boutique’s glass windows cracked from the heat and the surrounding trees were scorched. Concern grew for the adjacent lounge and bar, but staff managed to save the building by soaking the thatched roof. None of the guest bure was at risk, though around 60 guests staying nearest to the burning complex were moved to Beachcomber Island for the night. The only reported injury was a woman who gashed her leg on the rocks in the dark after the power failed. She required four stitches.
Mr Costello said generators in a second powerhouse were brought online and lighting was expected to be restored by that evening. A temporary kitchen was also planned to be operational by lunchtime, with guests being fed at Beachcomber Island in the meantime. He described the fire as accidental.
One of the guests, Cathy Cotchin of Melbourne, said she was about to order dinner when smoke was seen coming from the bar. Diners quickly moved outside without panic, and candles were later handed out after the power went out. She recalled hearing gas bottles explode and said some visitors were taken by boat to Beachcomber Island for safety.
The April 1984 fire remains one of the more serious resort incidents recorded in the Mamanuca Islands during that period.
