A structural fire which broke out at the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Technical College quarters in Cuvu, Sigatoka on Tuesday destroyed the facility which was unoccupied at the time.
National Fire Authority (NFA) officers responded to the call for assistance at 5.25pm and upon arrival at 5.38pm, officers encountered a fully developed fire involving a structure comprising three bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, dining area, toilet and bathroom.
The fire was brought under control and fully extinguished at 7.30pm.
NFA chief executive officer Puamau Sowane said the incident underscored the persistent fire risks associated with vacant and unattended properties across Fiji.
“Buildings that are left unoccupied for extended periods often become highly vulnerable due to lack of maintenance, delayed detection of hazards, and increased exposure to trespassing, vandalism and unsafe use of the premises,” he said.
“Once ignition occurs, such structures can be rapidly consumed, particularly when constructed from timber and other combustible materials.”
Mr Sowane said such cases are increasingly adding unnecessary pressure to the NFA’s resources given the increase in operational cost due to the fuel price increase.
“Owners of vacant buildings and properties should be responsible in looking after their vacant properties to avoid creating unnecessary risks that could be very harmful to environment and those living nearby it.”
Mr Sowane said preliminary findings confirm the property is owned by the Nadroga/Navosa Provincial Council.
“Vacant properties of this nature continue to present avoidable fire risks where basic preventive measures such as regular inspection, securing access points, removal of debris, and maintenance of electrical and structural systems are not undertaken.”
A full investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and cost of damage.
