FIFTEEN people are homeless after a building containing five flats burned to the ground in Malolo, Nadi yesterday.
According to the National Fire Authority, the fire broke out at around 9.30am.
NFA chief executive officer John O'Connor said the families living in the five flats were at home when the fire started, however, none of them were injured.
NFA investigations are in progress to determine the cause of this fire.
In a statement, Mr O'Connor reminded people to take extra care of their homes.
"We keep reminding members of the community to take extra care, but still fires continue to happen in our communities which mean that some of us are not taking fire safety seriously," he said.
"We must all take fire safety seriously since it is one of the most dangerous disasters.
"So far this year into the month of February, NFA has attended to 18 property and small house fires and we are really concerned with the recent increase in house fire incidents," he said.
"We must discuss fire safety in our families so that our family members are aware of the dangers of a fire and what to do in case of a fire.
"NFA needs the support from the members of the community.
"We are urging members of the community to be vigilant and check their homes on a daily basis and get rid of all things that can start unplanned fires in homes," Mr O'Connor said in the NFA statement.