PLANS are in the pipeline to install satellite fire stations in rural areas and outer islands up north.
This was made known by north fire officer John Pillay at a Stakeholder's Workshop on Urban Growth Management Plan for the Greater Northern Region in Labasa yesterday.
Mr Pillay said they aimed to commission stations in Seaqaqa, Dreketi, Nabalebale, Wainikoro and Nabouwalu next year.
"For the outer islands, we are looking at installing a station on Rabi but this will be included in our 2014 and 2015 work plan," he said.
"We are trying to facilitate all the areas in the north so people can always refer to the nearest station in cases of fire instead of having to call Labasa or Savusavu.
"The four stations we have at the moment are Labasa, Savusavu and two on Taveuni."
Mr Pillay said so far they've received seven reports of fires this year, all of which were classed property fires.
"We are working closely with government departments, schools and corporate agencies to heighten awareness of fire safety.
"We aim to involve more school students in our awareness programs."
The workshop was organised by the Department of Town and Country Planning.