About 20 people are homeless after a fire ravaged three properties on Cakacaka Rd, Caubati, in Nasinu yesterday.
The fire started at a home where children were reportedly playing, and quickly spread to the two neighbouring homes, fuelled by strong winds.
Retired civil servant Kelevi Natubavivi, 57, said his family tried to save their household belongings while the fire engulfed the first house, but the fire had “spread too fast”.
“Kids were playing in the house where the fire started,” Mr Natubavivi said.
“We heard their grandmother shouting; that’s when we were alerted.”
Another homeowner who lost their family home said they lost a lot of valuables.
Soldier Uraia Tuiqalo said he had just returned from work when he heard shouting from the house where the fire began.
The father of four said by the time he reached his house, it was too late.
“Two houses were burnt down before my house was razed to the ground,” Mr Tuiqalo said.
“I am thankful no lives were lost. All our belongings can be replaced, but lives are precious, and for that we are thankful.
“This was our family house, my extended family lived here, and so a lot of our household belongings were lost.”
He said the school term had just begun and it was unfortunate that the school children lost their uniforms, bags, and stationery in the fire.
Police and the National Fire Authority are continuing investigations to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
