The National Fire Authority has raised serious concerns that the National Building Code is not being enforced outside municipal boundaries, leaving informal settlements and villages highly vulnerable to electrical fires.
Appearing before the Standing Committee on Social Affairs yesterday, Acting Chief Executive Officer Joel Israel said electrical faults have remained the leading cause of fires in Fiji for the past five years.
“As we look at the consistency over that period, electrical fires continue to be the main cause,” Mr Israel said, revealing that 56 electrical fires were recorded in 2024, with an increase noted in 2025.
He told the committee that while the National Building Code exists, its enforcement is largely limited to municipal areas.
“The National Building Code is not enforced outside legislative boundaries such as informal settlements and villages. Enforcement is mainly within municipal boundaries,” Mr Israel said.
Mr Israel warned that this enforcement gap places thousands of households at risk, particularly in rapidly growing peri-urban and rural communities where electrical wiring and building standards are often unregulated.
“To reduce fires caused by electrical faults, we need expansion of enforcement boundaries and proper implementation of the National Building Code nationwide,” he said.
He added that the National Fire Authority is actively working with policymakers and regulatory bodies to address the issue, including participating in committees reviewing the National Building Code and electrical safety standards.
“We are also part of the standards committee pushing for updated electrical wiring regulations, including AS/NZS 3000:2018, which has not yet been fully implemented,” Mr Israel said.
“Passing this legislation will not only improve public safety but significantly reduce fires caused by electrical means.”
The Acting CEO also highlighted the need for tighter controls on electrical appliances entering the country, noting that substandard equipment further increases fire risks, particularly in areas where inspections are limited.
Mr Israel urged government and lawmakers to prioritise legislative reforms and enforcement measures, stressing that without them, electrical fires will continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
