A young woman has tragically lost her life in a house fire that occurred at Levuka Settlement, located off Bureta Street in Samabula North, yesterday afternoon. This heartbreaking incident marks the 13th fire-related fatality in Fiji so far this year.
The National Fire Authority (NFA) responded swiftly after receiving an emergency call around 4 PM reporting the fire. Two fire trucks from the Suva Fire Station were deployed and arrived on the scene within eight minutes, only to discover a two-bedroom corrugated iron house entirely consumed by flames.
Firefighters were informed during their efforts that someone remained trapped inside the structure. Despite their best efforts, including water relay systems and connection to a nearby fire hydrant, they found the body of a 20-year-old woman amidst the rubble. The house sustained approximately 95 percent damage in the blaze.
The property belonged to 70-year-old Shushila Wati and was being rented by 47-year-old barber Ajay Raju. Unfortunately, reports indicate that the residence was not insured, compounding the tragedy of this incident.
Joel Israel, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NFA, confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire. He extended heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, stating, “Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the young woman who lost her life in this tragic incident.”
This year’s fire statistics illustrate a concerning trend: of the 13 fatalities, six were women and seven were men, predominantly affecting adults. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for increased fire safety awareness and preventive measures to safeguard lives. Despite the heartbreak, such incidents can serve as a rallying call for communities to prioritize fire safety education, ultimately preventing future tragedies.