A residential fire has significantly impacted a family home in Taci Village, Noco, Rewa, leading to an estimated loss of $40,000 in damages. The fire engulfed the two-bedroom home of Kesaia Talemaitoga, who lived there with her four children, mother, and mother-in-law. Luckily, there were no injuries reported, and neighboring properties were unharmed.
In the wake of this incident, Puamau Sowane, the CEO of the National Fire Authority (NFA), has issued a warning urging Fijians to exercise caution as the festive season approaches. Sowane highlighted that increased activities around the home, particularly cooking and the use of decorative lights, can elevate the risk of fire if proper safety measures are not adhered to.
He advised the public to adopt simple yet effective safety practices, such as checking electrical wiring, turning off cooking appliances, and securing matches out of children’s reach. Furthermore, Sowane called upon motorists to yield to fire trucks and emergency vehicles, stressing that timely responses can save lives and property.
The NFA chief reinforced the importance of immediate reporting of emergencies and encouraged anyone facing a crisis to contact the NFA at 910. Emphasizing that prevention is the best solution, he urged families to remain vigilant and responsible as they prepare for upcoming festivities.
This fire incident parallels a wider trend of increased fire-related events across Fiji, with the NFA noting preventable causes like electrical faults and unattended cooking as frequent issues. According to recent reports, a series of residential fires this summer have resulted in substantial damages, prompting renewed calls for safety vigilance among homeowners.
Community education and awareness initiatives led by the NFA aim to mitigate the risks associated with fire, encouraging families to adopt proactive measures to protect their homes. Together, there is hope that improved preparedness can help prevent future tragedies, allowing families to celebrate safely and joyfully during the festive season.