While witnesses have described the fire incident at Zam Zam Restaurant as an explosion, the National Fire Authority is treating it as a gas cylinder fire.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) said preliminary findings indicate the blaze may have ignited while a technician was working on the valve, a situation that can quickly become dangerous if gas leaks are exposed to an ignition source.

The incident was reported at 11:39am, with firefighters from the Suva Fire Station dispatched within a minute. The first fire appliance arrived on scene at 11:45am.

Upon arrival, crews found a 180kg gas cylinder already on fire. Firefighters immediately deployed hose lines using the truck’s tank supply and worked to suppress the flames while shutting off the cylinder valve to cut the fuel source. 

The fire was brought under control within seven minutes and fully extinguished by 11:52am.

Five people, two women and three men, were treated at the scene by NFA paramedics before being transported to hospital for further medical assessment.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane described the incident as a stark reminder of how quickly gas-related fires can escalate if proper procedures are not followed.

“While gas-related fires may not be the leading cause of fires in Fiji, they are among the most dangerous and destructive when they occur. Incidents like this are deeply concerning because they often escalate quickly and put multiple lives at risk,” he said.

Sowane said even minor gas leaks can have devastating consequences if ignited, often leading to total property loss within minutes.

Although electrical faults, unattended cooking and arson remain the leading causes of fires in Fiji, gas-related incidents continue to pose a serious risk, particularly in kitchens where leaks may go unnoticed.

In 2025, Fiji recorded 186 property fires. While most were linked to electrical issues, gas-related fires were often associated with cooking activities or faulty equipment such as worn-out hoses, regulators and valves.

Past incidents have highlighted the severity of these risks, including the 2020 Suva flea market fire, believed to have been caused by a leaking gas valve, and a 2022 house fire in Vatuwaqa where a suspected gas leak ignited while a stove was being lit, destroying the property.

The NFA is urging both businesses and households to take fire safety seriously, especially when dealing with gas systems. 

It recommends storing cylinders in well-ventilated outdoor areas, regularly checking for leaks using soapy water, and ensuring all repairs and installations are carried out by licensed professionals.