[Supplied]
A two-bedroom home at Saru Back Road, Lautoka, was destroyed by fire in the early hours of Sunday.
According to the National Fire Authority, the property – located outside the designated fire boundary – is owned by 30-year-old Binitesh Sharma, who lived there with his 72-year-old mother, Veenat Kumari.
Preliminary information indicates the fire started after Sharma put a mobile phone on charge before going to sleep.
He reportedly woke to a sparking sound, followed by heat and smoke, before observing flames on the wall.
He immediately alerted his mother, and both evacuated safely without injury.
The NFA estimates the damage at $80,000, representing a total loss of the structure.
While a full investigation is underway, preliminary assessments suggest an electrical fault linked to the mobile phone charging point.
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Riya Mala