A devastating fire in Natabua, Lautoka, has left three families homeless after the flames engulfed a subdivided house early yesterday morning. The fire reportedly ignited around 8:30 AM in a flat at the back of the property, where an elderly woman and her niece resided.
One of the tenants, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing events. The elderly woman, who typically leaves for the weekend, was set to depart that day when a taxi arrived to take her away, leaving her niece asleep in the flat. Neighbors quickly alerted the niece to the fire, triggering a frantic rush to escape. Despite her brave attempt to extinguish the fire with a bucket of water, the flames rapidly overwhelmed her efforts.
Fortunately, all residents managed to evacuate without injury, though the tenant expressed deep frustration over their loss, stating, “Nothing of ours was saved, everything got destroyed.” Thankfully, neighbors stepped in to help salvage some clothing and kitchenware, and the affected families have temporarily relocated to the homes of their in-laws in Tomuka.
Divisional Police Commander West, SSP Iakobo Vaisewa, has confirmed the incident while stating that investigations are underway to determine the fire’s cause. This unfortunate event follows a similar incident on Nasoki Street, where another multi-tenant structure sustained considerable damage. In both instances, the National Fire Authority (NFA) responded swiftly, managing to control the fires and prevent further damage to surrounding properties.
Witnesses reported relief at the absence of injuries in these incidents, reflecting the strong communal bonds during such crises. The challenges faced have sparked discussions on the vital importance of fire safety measures and preparedness. The resilience demonstrated by the affected families highlights a community spirit that encourages advocacy for improved safety protocols and underscores the significance of neighborly support in times of adversity.