The National Fire Authority responded to a house fire in Carreras, Votualeu, Nadi on Christmas morning, approximately 10 kilometers from the Nadi Fire Station and outside the designated fire boundary. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though initial reports suggest that the homeowner and a tenant were consuming alcohol at the time of the incident.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Joel Israel expressed his concern for the family affected by the fire and emphasized the importance of fire safety and responsible behavior, particularly during festive times when such incidents can occur. An investigation will be conducted by the National Fire Authority to ascertain the fire’s cause.
The blaze caused substantial damage, with 80 percent of the property, owned by a 58-year-old mechanic, affected. The estimated losses amount to $80,000, and it is worth noting that the house was not insured, leaving three family members in a challenging situation. The incident was first reported at 8:39 am, which led to a prompt response from the Nadi Fire Station, deploying two fire appliances and nine firefighters.
Upon arrival, emergency crews found a three-bedroom concrete home fully ablaze, which posed a risk to nearby properties. Quick action by the firefighters allowed them to contain and extinguish the fire effectively, using multiple hose lines and preventing the situation from worsening. The community remains grateful for the swift response, highlighting the need for awareness regarding fire safety during celebrations.