A recent residential fire has caused considerable damage to a family home in Taci Village, Noco, Rewa, resulting in an estimated loss of $40,000. The fire affected the residence of Kesaia Talemaitoga, who lives with her four children, mother, and mother-in-law. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and neighboring properties remained unharmed.
In response to this unfortunate event, Puamau Sowane, CEO of the National Fire Authority (NFA), has issued an important warning to Fijians as the festive season draws near. He emphasized the heightened risk of fire during this time due to increased home activities, especially with cooking and the use of decorative lights. To mitigate these risks, Sowane urged the public to adopt simple safety measures, such as checking electrical wiring, turning off cooking appliances when not in use, and safely storing matches out of children’s reach.
Additionally, Sowane reminded motorists to give way to fire trucks and emergency vehicles, stressing the critical nature of swift responses in emergencies to protect lives and property. He encouraged the timely reporting of incidents by urging anyone in crisis to contact the NFA at 910.
This fire incident reflects a broader trend of rising fire-related occurrences in Fiji, where preventable causes such as electrical faults and unattended cooking continue to pose significant challenges. Recent reports have highlighted a series of residential fires this summer, prompting the NFA to call for increased safety awareness among homeowners.
To combat these issues, community education initiatives led by the NFA aim to empower families with knowledge and tools to ensure fire safety in their homes. By fostering a culture of vigilance and preparedness, there is hope that families can celebrate the upcoming festive season safely and joyfully, minimizing the risk of future tragedies.