FIVE businesses in Labasa Town are expected to suffer significant financial losses following a structural fire that has left three families homeless and a commercial building in darkness.
The fire, which broke out in a double-storey building on Tuesday morning, is believed to have started in a flat on the top floor before spreading.
Property owner Ivaan Khan said while the National Fire Authority (NFA) managed to contain the blaze, the aftermath has halted all operations at the site.
“We have yet to determine what caused the fire,” he said.
“The fire is believed to have started from a flat upstairs. Apart from the three flats, we have five businesses operating from this building.”
Mr Khan said the lack of essential services had forced a business to temporarily relocate.
“The businesses will be mostly affected by this. We do not know when the power can come back on. One business has already moved to Nacula temporarily as there is no power here at the moment.”
The quick response of the fire brigade was credited with preventing a total loss of the commercial assets.
“Thankfully, the firemen arrived on time at the scene. If they didn’t, most of these businesses would have lost everything,” Mr Khan said.
He said he and his family had also been affected by the fire.
“I am also staying here, so I will be moving to my in-laws in Vunivau until authorities have completed their investigation and power and water have been restored.”
