Fires Destroy Three Homes and Auto World Trading Building in Suva

Suva, Fiji — The National Fire Authority (NFA) is urging vigilance after two major fires in Suva yesterday destroyed three homes and a motor vehicle retail business.

The first blaze was reported at 6.38am at Auto World Trading in Viria East, Vatuwaqa. Firefighters from Suva, Lami, Valelevu, and Nakasi rushed to the scene and managed to contain the flames, but the building sustained 85% structural damage.

The 5,152 square metre property was insured with New India Insurance, and the cost of the damage is still being assessed

Business owner Ravindra Lal said he was at home when one of his employees called to tell him the warehouse was on fire

A few hours later, at 9.07am, firefighters responded to another blaze at Cakacaka Place, Caubati, where two wooden houses were already on fire.

Despite efforts to contain it, three homes were destroyed — one belonging to a 75-year-old man, another to a serving soldier, and the third to a retired soldier. Each property sustained 100% structural damage, with losses estimated at $250,000 per house

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane expressed concern that despite widespread awareness campaigns, people were still not calling the fire service immediately.

“The fire at Auto World was first sighted just after 6am, but our Command Centre received the first call at 6.38am. Every minute a fire burns, it doubles in size. Call us first so we can respond in time,” he said

Mr. Sowane also urged businesses to invest in Alarm Signalling Equipment (ASE) units that automatically notify the NFA in case of smoke or fire.

On the Caubati incident, Mr. Sowane said initial investigations suggested the fire may have been started by a child playing with matches.

“Children are naturally curious, so we are urging parents and grown-ups to be vigilant, so we can avoid and minimise property fires,” he said

Investigations into both fires are ongoing.