The Chief Executive Officer of the National Fire Authority (NFA), Puamau Sowane, has raised serious alarms regarding the alarming increase in structural fires across Fiji, despite the NFA’s persistent efforts through various community awareness programs. Sowane pointed out that, even with extensive education campaigns reaching both urban and rural communities, the incidence of fires and the tragic loss of life associated with them continues to rise.
“Our frameworks aimed at community awareness do not seem to be producing the results we hoped for as we see a worrying trend in structural fires,” Sowane noted. He emphasized that many of these incidents predominantly occur in residential neighborhoods where the enforcement of fire safety regulations is notably weak. Although commercial and industrial facilities undergo annual inspections to ensure safety compliance, the residential sector suffers from a critical lack of proper oversight, largely due to limited resources. Currently, the NFA has only 30 certified building inspectors responsible for monitoring compliance across the entire country.
To address these concerns, the NFA is actively working to enhance its capacity through partnerships and training, particularly in collaboration with the Fire Protection Association of Australia. Sowane also highlighted that the government has consistently fulfilled its funding obligations to the NFA, contributing $6.1 million in the previous year and $8.2 million this year.
In a broader perspective, the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa, underscored the necessity of collaboration among architects, engineers, builders, and material suppliers to improve fire readiness, especially in urban areas like Suva, which is witnessing a surge in high-rise constructions. Nalumisa stressed that fire safety is not solely the responsibility of the Fire Authority but requires a holistic approach from all stakeholders involved.
During this week’s Fiji Fire Forum, local and international fire protection experts convened to exchange insights on innovative technology, training, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing fire resilience nationwide. This collaborative effort aims to create a safer environment for all Fijians, reinforcing the belief that progress towards community safety can be achieved through shared efforts and heightened awareness.
While the rise in structural fires presents significant challenges, it also highlights the critical need for community involvement and proactive fire safety measures. By fostering both individual vigilance and collective responsibility, Fiji can work towards a safer future for all its residents.