A house fire at Vunikoka, Seaqaqa on Monday afternoon has resulted in the death of a two-year-old child after being trapped in the burning house.
National Fire Authority (NFA) Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane stressed the need for children, especially those who have not reached school age, to be constantly supervised.
“This is a tragic event, and it saddens NFA that a young life has been lost in fire. This is something that no family should have to go through,” Mr Sowane said.
“It is our plea that families practice fire safety at home. Have an escape plan and route and teach your children what to do in the event of a fire,” he said.
“The care of our children is a duty that all parents should take seriously. Our sincere condolences to the family.”
Mr Sowane said at the time of the incident only two children were inside the house – a two-year-old and another a three-year-old child.
He said the three-year old escaped to the neighbour’s house, while the two-year-old was trapped inside the burning house.
“Their parents had gone to the hospital, leaving the children alone in the house.
“The neighbour’s tried to call for assistance, but since there was no electricity and phone network available during the day.
“The house sustained 90 percent damage.”
Mr Sowane thanked Fiji Pine Limited for providing support to the firefighters to help extinguish the fire.
“This act exemplifies that we, as a community, need to work together to avoid disasters and emergencies.”
