A two-storey residential property on Johnson Street in Toorak was entirely engulfed by fire on Tuesday evening, resulting in estimated damages of around $150,000. The National Fire Authority (NFA) responded quickly to an emergency call received shortly after 6:10 pm, deploying multiple fire crews to combat the rapidly spreading flames.
Firefighters worked in close coordination with Energy Fiji Limited and the Water Authority of Fiji to cut off the electricity supply and increase water pressure, which proved vital in bringing the fire under control by 7:06 pm. Their timely actions prevented the fire from spreading to nearby homes, ensuring the safety of the community.
Joel Israel, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NFA, noted that the structure’s age and timber-framed design exacerbated the fire, making suppression efforts more challenging. The homeowner, 48-year-old Vani Tinai, suffered a total loss as the fire caused complete destruction of the house. Initial investigations indicate that a faulty cooking appliance may have sparked the blaze, with inquiries ongoing.
Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, underscoring the effectiveness of the emergency response and the prompt measures taken to protect adjacent properties. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for vigilance in preventing such tragedies in the future.