Fiji has seen an increase in structural fires over the past three years, from 102 in 2021/2022 to 199 in 2023/2024.
The figures, presented in parliament by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa reported 472 incidents between July 2021 and July 2024.
These fires resulted in 21 fatalities, including four children.
Electrical faults, arson, and unattended cooking were identified as the primary causes of the fires.
In response, the NFA has worked to improve electrical safety standards and promote the use of safer building materials. Since January 2021, the NFA has conducted 31,037 house visits, 1,170 school visits, and 983 community awareness sessions, reaching over 388,000 people. The NFA’s Integrated Community Fire Wardens program, established in 2021, has trained 1,842 fire wardens in 107 communities.
The NFA also responded to 11,349 emergency calls, including structural fires, road accidents, and ambulance services. Many calls came from areas outside the legislated fire boundaries, prompting a review of these boundaries in collaboration with the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources. A proposal for boundary adjustments will be submitted for Cabinet approval once the review is complete.
Since 2021, the NFA’s Structural Fire Safety Department has reviewed 1,226 building plans and inspected 14,862 business premises across Fiji.
Photo: File
