A family of ten has been left homeless and traumatized after an evening fire completely destroyed their multi-room residence in Nabaka, Navosa, causing an estimated $120,000 in damage.

The incident, which wiped out the primary home of a 55 year old local farmer and his family, has prompted urgent calls from authority officials for heightened vigilance and quicker emergency reporting across rural communities.

The blaze broke out on the evening of 2 September 2026, targeting an 11 metre by 10 metre wooden framed residential structure.

The extensive property accommodated six adults and four children, comprising eight bedrooms, a sitting room, kitchen, dining area, toilet, bathroom, and garage.

At the time the fire ignited, the property was entirely unoccupied.

The homeowner was working at his farm alongside his wife, son, daughter in law, and grandchildren when they spotted smoke rising from the direction of their residence.

Upon returning to investigate, the owner found the garage already fully ablaze.

Sigatoka Fire Station was alerted to the scene at approximately 5:26 pm via a landline emergency report. One fire appliance crewed by five firefighters were dispatched immediately.

“A house fire can escalate very quickly and, within minutes, can result in the complete loss of a home and everything a family has worked for, “ said Puamau Sowane, NFA CEO

The NFA reiterated that the public should dial the National Emergency Helpline 910 immediately upon noticing smoke or flame, giving exact locations and landmarks to assist rapid dispatch.