NANISE NEIMILA
The new $1.7million Nakasi Fire Station is a demonstration of the Government extending the reach of the National Fire Authority services around Fiji.
Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama, while commissioning the fire station, said strong and well-staffed fire stations provide Fijians with emergency services that can help protect homes, businesses and lives from the threat of fires and other emergencies.
“The people of Nakasi can now sleep easier knowing that these life-saving services are at your doorstep. But despite its name, the National Fire Authority does far more than put out fires.”
“The NFA’s responsibilities have grown to include responding to auto accidents, protecting the public from hazardous materials spillage, carrying out flood and swift water rescue operations, emergency ambulatory services, first aid assistance, and search and rescue operations.”
“By every standard, Fijian firefighters keep our communities safe day and night –– and for that, they are heroes.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama commended the efforts of NFA in the recent months, as Fiji grappled with two crises- COVID-19 and Tropical Cyclone Harold.
“Each posed unique challenges, which were only compounded by the other. Responding to either one alone would be difficult; being forced to navigate both at once would seem nearly impossible.”
“But the National Fire Authority stepped up and took action when the country needed them most. By keeping our evacuation centres sanitised, clearing debris and fallen trees, and cleaning out our communities as soon as the storm had settled, the NFA showed the world that Fijians don’t back away from any challenge or crisis, no matter how great.”
Prime Minister Bainimarama pleaded with Fijian families to take this as learning opportunity and as a chance to make the commitment to take fire safety seriously.
“Some of the biggest steps you can take are the simplest. Ensure that your homes are fire-safe by switching off all electrical appliances after use. Prevent overloading your power supply.”
“Stay in the kitchen until your food is cooked and stove is switched off. Keep an eye on candles, prayer diyas and mosquito coils, making sure that they are safely spaced from any flammable materials, placed on ceramic or metallic surfaces, and extinguished before leaving home or before going to bed.”
He also urged parents to keep a close watch on your children. They often don’t understand the potential dangers of a flickering flame, and their curiosity might get the better of them. Take every precaution to fire-proof your house by keeping matches and lighters out of their reach.
“And realise that it’s our responsibility to sit down and speak to them about just how deadly a fire can be; so, by sitting down and having a simple conversation, you may be saving their life.”