Editorial comment – A reminder for us all

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Firefighters work to douse the blaze at the Suva Flea Market. Picture: FT FILE

As the National Fire Authority investigates the cause of a fire that destroyed a vacant house in Nakasi, Nausori on Tuesday, we are reminded about the importance of safety tips.

NFA CEO Puamau Sowane said the authority was trying to determine whether the fire had resulted from uncontrolled burning.

He revealed vacant homes had caught fire this month.

It’s an interesting statement.

Mr Sowane said these incidents happened in homes that were vacant or when the owners were away visiting families.

He said people should ensure their homes are fire safe if they are leaving it vacant.

Fire safety, he said, should be everyone’s priority and there was a need for people to take time out to identify fire hazards in and around their properties and buildings.

This, he said, would help prevent house fires and unnecessary damage and loss of property.

Mr Sowane reminded home owners that the NFA was empowered to recover cost for providing firefighting services if properties were not insured.

This is something that must be clearly understood. But seriously, fire safety must be placed on a very high pedestal.

Awareness and the willingness to enforce fire safety measures are equally important.

They will ensure the safety of a property, and the safety and wellbeing of family members.

When all things are considered, being proactive, and your willingness to embrace fire safety tips are an important part of our lives. We must be aware.

We must know where our hot spots are in the house. We must create a level of awareness among family members about the importance of safety.

They must know an evacuation route and plan, and the steps that must be followed in the event of a house fire.

In the building process, qualified electricians should be dealing with all wiring for instance. Accidents happen because we allow them to. But accidents can be prevented.

As Mr Sowane said, we should be reminded to take extra precautions.

The toll-free fire emergency number is 910.

Remember fires are powerful enough to destroy homes.

The last thing a home owner wants is to see years of sacrifice, love and attention, and the security of owning a home go up in flames.

It will leave a feeling of anger, frustration, uncertainty and doubt, accompanied by overwhelming helplessness.

Years of care, comfort in knowing there is a home, can be destroyed in minutes.

That’s not a scenario you’d want, especially now in the face of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Faced with numerous issues to contend with, coupled with an uncertain future, it pays to be vigilant. Let’s consider this a reminder.

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