The Atlas Trading warehouse fire yesterday is believed to have been the biggest in Fiji this year.

It took about fifty firefighters almost 7 hours to douse the blaze at the warehouse located in the industrial area at Viria East, Vatuwaqa Suva.

Meanwhile, the NFA officials have begun their investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

NFA chief executive John O’Connor says the investigation began this morning and the findings will be given to the relevant authorities.

O’Connor has denied claims by eyewitnesses and nearby businesses saying that the lack of water was not an issue during the fire fighting.

“We utilized two fire hydrants in the area and that was enough – we had enough water – water was not an issue in this fire-fighting. It was the magnitude of fire and the contents of the building which made fire-fighting a huge challenge together with the strong winds. The Water Authority officials were there on time – they assisted us in terms of engaging the two fire hydrants and that was sufficient in terms of operation.”

Atlas Trading Limited owner Navin Chandra says he has not been allowed at the site as yet.

He says the authorities have informed him that a report on the findings of the investigation will be given to the relevant stakeholders.

Chandra says he is unable to tell the cost of damage at this stage.

The fire yesterday destroyed the warehouse with its contents.