The National Fire Authority has revealed finer details about the incident that led to a house fire, which claimed the life of a mother of five in Jittu Estate.

NFA Chief Executive Officer Puamau Sowane says that, based on the information they have gathered, it is alleged that the deceased had attempted to take her own life.

Sowane urged the public, particularly couples, to seek non-violent solutions to their problems.

He calls on families to resolve their disputes amicably and avoid actions that result in families losing all their belongings, further compounded by the tragedy of death from fire.

He says any loss of life during a fire is tragic and something firefighters work hard to prevent.

Sowane confirms that the NFA Command Centre received a call through their 910 emergency line from a member of the public, reporting a property fire on Grantham Rd, opposite Rups, in Raiwaqa.

He says the duty crew at the Suva Fire Station responded immediately with two trucks and eight officers, arriving at the scene at 2:48 p.m. to find a corrugated iron house fully engulfed in flames.

He says on-site investigations found that the house was occupied by a couple and their five children when the fire started.

 
The father evacuated all the children outside and tried to rescue his wife, but the heat and fire were too much, which almost cost his life.