A property on Waila Feeder Road, situated just outside Nausori, was engulfed by a devastating fire this afternoon, resulting in significant destruction. Eyewitness accounts initially suggested that the thick black smoke stemmed from nearby tire burning, leaving many unaware of the impending danger until it was too late.
Manoa Gasaudrokadroka, one of the witnesses, expressed his surprise at the situation, saying, “I never thought much about it. I thought it was just someone burning tires or rubbish.” As the blaze rapidly escalated, it became evident that the fire originated from the back flat of the property and spread swiftly, according to Asaeli Racule, another observer. He remarked, “When we got here, we saw the fire broke out from the back flat, and it spread so quickly.” The intensity of the flames even led to an explosion of a car, adding to the chaos.
Witnesses noted the distress of the landlord, who watched helplessly as their home was consumed by flames and smoke. Suliasi Waqa recounted an alarming moment for one tenant, stating, “The old lady fainted when she saw the house was on fire after coming back from her walk.”
The fire’s urgency necessitated that three trucks from the National Fire Authority repeatedly refill with water from a nearby river to combat the blaze. Concerns were raised about potential delays in communication and a lack of community vigilance, which may have hindered the firefighters’ efforts.
In the aftermath of the incident, tenants and the property owner chose not to engage with reporters, highlighting their distress during the event. This blaze marks the fifth reported residential fire in 2026, indicating a worrisome trend in the region.
As the community reflects on this tragic event, it emphasizes the critical importance of vigilance and preparedness in fire safety. Enhancing awareness can play a significant role in preventing similar incidents in the future, encouraging the community to take proactive measures in safeguarding their properties.