An elderly man who was a stroke patient perished in a house fire in Navakai, Nadi this afternoon.
He was alone at home at the time of the fire that started around 2:00pm today.
The victim is believed to be in his 70s.
“This is a very sad and tragic situation to have someone who is believed to be a stroke patient trapped inside this burning home. Our deepest condolences to the family,” said NFA CEO Puamau Sowane.
“This is the fourth fire fatality so far this year and out of these three were handicapped and were not able to escape.”
“We continue to advise members of the public, not to leave any member of the family who is handicapped or incapable of looking after themselves at home alone. The risk is very high for them to stay alone.”
“Since 2021, we have been averaging six deaths a year from fire, except for last year when there were only 3 deaths recorded from fires.
National Fire Authority responded to the fire but could not save the four-bedroom house.
The structure was made of wood and corrugated iron.
Both NFA and Fiji Police are investigating the incident.
