Nikhil Aiyush Kumar 
[Photo: FILE]
The National Fire Authority has confirmed the recovery of a female victim’s body following a residential fire at 38 Brown Street, Toorak, Suva, yesterday.
Upon arrival, firefighters found a three-storey structure, known as the old Vincent House, fully engulfed.
The crew deployed multiple hose lines from onboard tanks and a nearby hydrant to extinguish the blaze.
At approximately 2:29 pm, search teams discovered the victim’s body inside the building.
The reportedly vacant property sustained 80 to 90 percent damage; however, no adjacent buildings were affected.
Chief Executive Puamau Sowane expressed deep concern and extended condolences to the victim’s family. Sowane noted that this incident brings the NFA’s total fire-related fatalities to nine this year.
“This is a concerning figure that highlights the urgent need for stronger fire safety awareness and preventative measures across communities,” he said.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation pending a forensic examination.
The NFA urges the public to take proactive steps to safeguard their homes and properties.
