Updated: 7:00am – Sayed Hussein yesterday was in disbelief after he rushed home to find one floor of his double-story house destroyed by a fire.
The resident of Alexander Road in Suva left at around 1am to drive his taxi, only to be called back an hour later by his frantic wife who was alone at home.
Grateful to hear his wife was quickly helped to safety by neighbours, Mr Hussein returned to what he estimated was $200,000 worth of damages.
“My wife called me and said there was a fire after she saw some black smoke behind the house,” Mr Hussein said.
“We also found some footprints near our back door but obviously we can’t say anything for sure.”
He was evidently shaken as he was joined by friends and family while inspecting the ruins of his home.
The family will now be forced to move downstairs after firefighters managed to contain the blaze in the top floor.
Charred remains of the house greeted family members who were slowly arriving to meet the family yesterday.
Two Police officers were also present at the house investigating the surrounding area.
A National Fire Authority (NFA) statement said they received a phone call at 2:47am.
“The fire team used deliveries of water from the fire trucks to extinguish it and stopped the fire from spreading to the bottom flat and nearby houses in the area.”
NFA urged homeowners to take precautions while using possible igniters like candles and diyas.
Investigations continue to determine the cause of the fire.
-Fiji sun
Featured image: Sayed Hussein points to what used be his living room before it was destroyed by an early morning house fire on December 10, 2017. Photo: Sheldon Chanel
