A series of fires occurred over the past three days, causing over $170,000 in damages to properties in Fiji’s Western Division, including a Catholic Church in Ba, the National Fire Authority reported
The series of incidents has led to renewed appeals for public vigilance.
The church fire and most significant blaze occurred late Sunday night in Raviravi. Firefighters responded but found the building fully engulfed. With the nearest hydrant five kilometres away, crews from Ba and Lautoka managed to control the fire using tank water. The structure sustained approximately 90% damage, with losses estimated at $80,000. The church was vacant and not insured at the time of the incident.
Earlier on Saturday afternoon, a fire destroyed a four-bedroom home in Mulomulo, Nadi. The blaze, which started in a nearby sugarcane field, quickly consumed the farmer’s residence, causing a total loss, valued at $60,000. Later that night, a third fire broke out in Moala Village, Nadi. Firefighters arrived to find a two-bedroom concrete and timber house fully ablaze. Despite their efforts, the property, owned by a farmer who was not present, was destroyed, with damages estimated at $30,000.
NFA Chief Executive Officer Sowane Puamau reiterated the need for homeowners to secure their properties and adhere to fire safety measures.
“We continue to see preventable fires causing significant damage. Property owners must take proactive steps to mitigate these risks,” Sowane said.
The NFA continues to investigate the causes of these fires and urges the public to use the toll-free emergency number 910 to report any fire or rescue situations.
