The National Fire Authority is working towards formulating new and effective strategies to achieve zero fire incidents and deaths next year.
Speaking at the opening of the NFA Strategic Planning Workshop today, the Minister for Local Government, Housing and Urban Development Samuela Saumatua said the number of structural fires and fire deaths recorded this year is of grave concern.
Minister Saumatua said all stakeholders need to work together in ensuring that such incidents do not occur in the future.
“To date, we have recorded a total of 82 structural fires which compares to 106 in 2011 and 216 in 2010. The 82 structural fires represent 2 boarding schools, 4 business properties and
76 residential properties,” Col Saumatua said.
“However, of greater concern is the number of fire deaths that occurred this year which totaled 12 compared to 2 last year. Sadly, 7 of these fire victims were children between the ages of 1 and 16 years.”
The Minister challenged the NFA Board, management and stakeholders involved in the Fire Industry to seriously consider very effective strategies that will result in the reduction of fire incidents in the short and medium terms and zero fire incidents and deaths in the long term.
“NFA’s role has also evolved throughout the years from primarily being responsible for fire response to responding to other emergencies like ambulance services, road accident rescue, hazardous material operations, urban search and rescue, flood water rescue and responding and working closely with other agencies including the NDMO during natural disasters,” Col Saumatua added.
The Minister said that there needs to be a change in the mindset of communities if we are to achieve zero fire incidents and deaths.
“NFA’s engagement with Government is part of a larger commitment to re-invigorate the country’s economic stability. Tragedies relating to fires are very painful and the losses often enormous. The direct fire losses per year in Fiji, if valued, run into millions and millions of dollars. Disruptions to businesses and family lives are direct outcomes of fires.”
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