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There is a critical need for a change in the public and community attitudes towards fire safety says Fiji’s Minister for Local Government Colonel Samuela Saumatua.
Opening the new National Fire Authority (NFA) station in Rakiraki town yesterday, Saumatua said direct losses from fires in Fiji run into millions of dollars annually.
“If we are to really grow the economy in line with government’s policy then all sectors of the economy will need to work together with the NFA to reduce fire occurrences in the country,” he said.
The minister said the government had recognised the need to prepare for emergencies “in order to prevent or mitigate disasters when they inevitably occur”.
“Disruptions to businesses and family lives are direct outcomes of fires and in some cases, fires lead to loss of lives.”
Thus “the need for preparedness against fire and other emergency occurrences cannot be underestimated”.
By Edwina Chand
