A fire that destroyed the Value City outlet, Handicraft stalls and kiosks at Flea market in Suva yesterday afternoon, started from a restaurant.

This was confirmed by the National Fire Authority following its initial investigation.

It took more than three hours for thirty firefighters and officers from Suva, Valelevu, Nakasi, and Navua stations to control the blaze that threatened to spread to other parts of the Flea Market which included handicraft stalls and a Supermarket few meters away from the burning building.

The NFA says highly flammable sources like oil and gas in the restaurant and wooden craft at the Handicraft stalls resulted in the fast spread of the fire.

No one sustained injury in the incident as the people were able to safely evacuate the building.

However, the fire destroyed about seven restaurants, Handicraft stalls and a Value City outlet.

Handicraft seller, Vani Tura says she lost everything in the fire.

“My stall was completely destroyed. I sell handicrafts, mats and this is the only avenue of generating income to feed my family and education needs of my children. I am really devastated with the incident and I have lost an estimated amount of over $2, 000 from this fire. I hope something is done quickly to help my business come back on track.”

The NFA will work with the Police to determine the cause of the fire.