Fiji’s Fire Service celebrated 100 years of service in Fiji.
Officiating at the historic event yesterday (27.02.23), His Excellency, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere congratulated the NFA for this milestone achievement and acknowledged past and present firefighters and officers that dedicated their lives to serving and saving lives in Fiji.
“These anniversary celebrations are a time of acknowledging and remembering the founding members of Fiji’s Fire Service who established the force from very humble beginnings. I would like to acknowledge those who have worked over the years to ensure the longevity of and fulfil the vision for a strong legacy”.
“The NFA has come a long way to reach this milestone achievement and with its many stakeholders remain devoted to its responsibility to establish and maintain an efficient and effective fire rescue service in Fiji that will protect lives, property and economic activities as legally mandated under the National Fire Service Act, 1994,” President Katonivere shared.
The National Fire Authority was established in February 1995, prior to that, fire services were handled by the respective town councils. With 21 fire stations operating around the country now, the Head of State said that Fiji’s Fire Service community has come a long way since its humble beginnings 100 years ago.
To date, the NFA has included the provision of emergency ambulance services in 2010 and had acquired land spaces and plans to establish more fire stations in Namelimeli (Navua), Navua CBD, Pacific Harbor (Deuba), Korovisilou (Serua), Nasaibitu (Wainibuka), Kabisi (Natadola), Keiyasi (Navosa), Navakai (Nadi) and in Tavua with plans underway to acquire some land in Matei (Taveuni) and also in Vanua Levu.
“The fire stations will cater to the growing population and development in these areas and most importantly improve coverage and allow accessibility of such essential services to all citizens of our beloved Fiji, both in the rural and urban areas,” President Katonivere stated.
There are plans in place to construct the country’s first ever state-of-the-art Fire Academy at Navakai, Nadi. This will serve as a hub to facilitate regular speciliased training for local firefighters.
“Our firefighters are truly our unsung heroes who go about their daily duties ready to face any risk that may arise during their duty roster. For them it is all in a day’s work, but for Fiji, we acknowledge with much gratitude their loyalty and courage to face whatever may come their way. A big vinaka vakalevu to all our firefighters and their families both here and around Fiji,” President Katonivere stated.
His Excellency, President Katonivere's official address can be accessed on this link: http://bit.ly/3KK4tov