THE National Fire Authority (NFA) says from January 2019 to October 15, 2024, a total of 22 buildings in schools around the country sustained more than 90 percent damage because of fire.

As a result, NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said they would step up inspections of all schools around the country to ensure they were fire safety compliant. He said school managements and the central government should seriously consider investing in school properties through insurance.

“A lot of investment in education has been lost in recent school fires,” he said.

“The government’s investment in schools is enormous and fire safety is always questionable, particularly when schoolchildren are present in school buildings.

“Insurance is an avenue to secure that investment in buildings, office and school equipment, furniture, staff and students.

“Additionally, we are collaborating closely with building and government architects to ensure that all government buildings, particularly schools, meet the minimum fire safety requirements as outlined in the National Building Code of Fiji.

“We are also in the process of gathering data from the Ministry of Education regarding the ages of certain school blocks, which will help us tailor fire safety advice based on the specific risks associated with older structures.

Mr Sowane said this initiative remained a top priority.