The National Fire Authority (NFA) responded to a fire incident at 152 Mead Road in Nabua early this morning. The fire, which destroyed a lean-to house, resulted in the tragic death of a 15-month old girl.
The fire left five other people homeless. The house was well engulfed when the fire crew arrived.
The owner of the house, Mr Vimal Prasad, was at his neighbour’s house when the fire occurred. His three sons and 15-month old daughter were in the house when the fire broke out. Their neighbor saw the smoke and called the fire brigade.
While the three boys escaped safely from the burning house, the baby sister was caught in the indoor flames. NFA’s preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have started from one of the beddings. NFA is working with the police to ascertain the actual cause of the fire.
NFA CEO Mr Jone Koroi: “Despite numerous warnings people continue to disregard the advice given by the NFA and the police department particularly on the need to closely supervise children. It is a pity that people are ignoring NFA’s advice."
“Before the school holidays NFA reminded parents to not leave their children unsupervised at home. It was unfortunate that this tragedy has happened, which has taken away the life of a young child.”
“This was a very unfortunate incident and we sympathise with the family, who has lost their daughter in the fire,” Mr Koroi said.
“Parents should ensure that an adult is supervising their children while they are at work or away from home. Talk to your children and teach them not to play with matches or any fire ignition sources. Better still don’t leave them alone because they will do as they please without knowing the consequences.”
“Time and again NFA has appealed to members of the public on fire preventative measures but our advice has continued to be ignored.”
Mr Koroi added the recent spate of home fires in the country should be a concern to every citizen of Fiji as it represents the destruction of years of investments and hard work and very devastating for a small economy such as Fiji's.
“On behalf of our line Minister, and I humbly appeal to members of the public, to cooperate and work together with NFA in the prevention of fires occurring in the first place. However, should a fire occur in your home or property immediately alert the fire brigade by calling 911 and give the firefighters the best chance to save you and your property from destruction."