A DEVASTATING afternoon fire on Friday reduced a Drasa Dam Rd home in Lautoka to ashes, leaving five people homeless and sparking fresh concerns from authorities over a surge in structural blazes across the Western Division.
Ravindra Gopal Naidu was at work when his nine-year-old son called with the terrifying news. His mother, grandfather, and son were inside when flames erupted in a corner room, but all escaped safely.
“Everything was destroyed, we could not save anything, but now I want to build my house,” he said.
“We are staying temporarily at my sister’s place in Nadi, but I am grateful no one was injured.”
National Fire Authority chief executive officer Puamau Sowane confirmed the Lautoka fire station received the emergency call at 2pm. Two fire engines and an ambulance arrived at the scene within 23 minutes, finding the structure fully engulfed.
Firefighters utilised stored water tanks to extinguish the blaze, preventing further spread.
Total damage to the 19-by-10-metre property is estimated at $60,000.
Investigators are sifting through the ruins to determine the cause.
Mr Sowane raised his concerns over the region’s trajectory, noting that August alone has recorded more than eight structural fires in the Western Division.
“The only one that can avoid fires is us, the owners of our homes,” he said.
Mr Sowane urged parents and homeowners to remain vigilant with electrical appliances, cooking, and fire safety during the school holidays.
