A 20-year-old woman died after a house was gutted by fire at Levuka Settlement, off Bureta Street in Samabula North, yesterday afternoon, taking the total number of fire fatalities in Fiji this year to 13.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) said it received an emergency call at around 4pm and immediately dispatched two fire trucks from the Suva Fire Station. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after to find the two-bedroom corrugated iron and timber house fully engulfed in flames.
During firefighting operations, crews were informed that a person was trapped inside the burning structure. Despite efforts to contain the blaze and gain access to the house, the woman was later found dead inside the property.
The fire caused about 95 per cent damage to the house, which measured approximately 10 metres by 11 metres.
The property was owned by a 70-year-old woman but was rented and occupied by a 47-year-old barber. According to the NFA, the house was not insured.
Acting NFA chief executive officer Joel Israel said investigations into the cause of the fire were underway.
“This is a tragic incident, especially during the Christmas period. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life,” Mr Israel said.
He said firefighters had to deploy water relay systems and connect to a nearby hydrant due to the intensity of the fire.
Residents in the area described scenes of panic as flames and thick smoke spread rapidly through the structure, leaving little time for intervention.
NFA statistics show that of the 13 fire-related deaths recorded so far this year, six were women and seven were men. Twelve of the victims were adults, while one was a child.
The NFA has again urged members of the public to remain vigilant about fire safety, particularly during the festive season when households are busier and fire risks are higher.
