FORTY-five passengers escaped unhurt when the bus they were travelling in caught fire at Urata Hill outside Savusavu Town on Friday afternoon.
The passengers jumped out of the windows for their safety as the driver pulled out a fire extinguisher to stop the flames that started from the engine.
Divisional fire officer northern John Pillay confirmed receiving a report on Friday evening adding it was the driver's quick action that saved the lives of passengers.
"The bus was on its way to Labasa when it experienced engine problems and later caught fire," he said.
"The driver quickly pulled out the fire extinguisher and stopped the flames while the passengers jumped for their lives.
"He (driver) also collected water from the nearby drains and splashed it on the engine compartment," said Mr Pillay.
The incident has prompted the National Fire Authority to call on bus companies to engage drivers in learning fire safety tips.
"We are requesting the bus drivers to learn fire safety tips as mishaps are bound to occur to anyone at anytime. Such knowledge will be handy when this sort of crisis occurs," Mr Pillay said.
The bus company declined to comment when contacted yesterday.