The National Fire Authority is warning the public about the growing threat of bushfires after a vacant structure was destroyed in a fire at Momi Gun Side in Nadi on Tuesday evening.
The Nadi Fire Station received a report of the fire at about 6.06pm and immediately dispatched two fire trucks with 12 firefighters, including two off-duty officers.
Firefighters arrived at the scene at about 6.38pm to find the blaze had already reached the decay stage of combustion. The vacant structure, built from partial concrete, corrugated iron and timber, had collapsed after being completely destroyed.
The NFA said poor road conditions and the remote hillside location prevented fire appliances from reaching the structure directly, forcing firefighters to park about 120 metres away and proceed on foot.
No one was present when crews arrived, and the owner of the property could not be identified. The structure, measuring about 14 feet by 18 feet, appeared to have been unoccupied for a long period.
The building sustained 100 per cent fire damage, although the value of the loss has not been determined.
Preliminary observations suggest the fire may have started from a nearby bushfire before spreading to the structure, but the exact cause remains under investigation.
NFA chief executive Puamau Sowane said the incident demonstrated how rapidly bushfires could spread to nearby buildings.
“This incident is a concern because it demonstrates how quickly a bushfire can spread from vegetation to a nearby structure, resulting in significant property loss. While this particular building was vacant, the same circumstances could easily put occupied homes, neighbouring properties and communities at risk.”
Mr Sowane urged the public to exercise caution during the current dry and windy conditions.
“With dry and windy conditions, a fire that may initially appear small can quickly become difficult to control. We are therefore urging everyone to be extremely careful and responsible when dealing with fire, particularly in areas surrounded by dry vegetation.”
He also called on property owners to maintain vacant properties by clearing surrounding vegetation to reduce fire risks.
The NFA reminded the public to report any fire threatening lives or property by calling 910, and urged communities to remain vigilant during the current dry spell.
