A FAMILY in Lomaivuna, Naitasiri is now homeless after their home was destroyed by fire early Friday morning.
Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the three bedroom house belonged to a 33-year-old farmer and his family.
She said the man was at his plantation during the incident.
She said the man's mother, wife and two children were at home at the time of the fire.
"Initial investigations point to one of the three bedrooms to be the origin of the fire," Ms Naisoro said.
"It is alleged that the two children were playing with matches when the mattress caught fire," she said.
Ms Naisoro said several attempts were made to put out the fire but it was too late to save the home.
Investigations are continuing.
National Fire Authority spokesman Ritesh Kumar said the fire in Naitasiri brought the total number of structural fire to 69 compared to 90 from January to October last year.
He reiterated the message from the authority for the public to be vigilant and take heed of fire safety measures to avoid unnecessary loss of life and property.