Seven individuals have tragically lost their lives in various fire incidents across the country in the first three weeks of this month, igniting serious concerns regarding fire safety. Puamau Sowane, the Chief Executive of the National Fire Authority (NFA), reported that as of last Wednesday, the nation has recorded a staggering total of 707 fire calls, underlining the critical need for the public to adopt better safety practices to prevent such fires.
The Western Division experienced the highest number of fire incidents, totaling 334, which accounted for four fatalities, while the Northern Division had 365 fires resulting in one death. The Central Division reported eight incidents, leading to two deaths. Sowane highlighted these distressing statistics, emphasizing a troubling pattern of preventable tragedies that not only take lives but also devastate families’ livelihoods.
Preliminary investigations indicate that most fires in the Western and Northern Divisions were bushfires, primarily caused by careless burning practices, improper waste disposal, and unattended open flames during the ongoing dry spell. In the Central Division, structural fires present a significant threat, frequently resulting from unattended cooking, electrical faults, and the reckless use of candles, mosquito coils, and gas appliances.
One particularly heartbreaking case discussed by the NFA was the Yacata island fire on October 16, which resulted in the loss of an infant’s life. The island’s remote location complicated the NFA’s response, emphasizing the urgent need for improved community preparedness and fire safety awareness, particularly in maritime and rural settings.
Sowane stressed that the current data serves as a stark reminder of the dire consequences of negligence and complacency regarding fire safety practices, which continue to endanger lives. He pointed out that the prevailing dry conditions exacerbate the risk of bush and grass fires, especially in the Western and Northern Divisions.
This surge in fire incidents reflects a broader trend noted in previous reports, indicating a significant rise in property fire damages driven by negligence. The NFA has consistently urged community members to engage in fire safety awareness and adopt preventive measures to protect their homes.
Despite these challenging circumstances, there is hope that through collective effort and heightened vigilance, communities can create a safer environment and work toward reducing the frequency of such tragic events in the future. The resilience and support from families affected by these tragedies, combined with increased community awareness, pave the way for meaningful improvements in fire safety practices across the nation.