A 5-year-old girl and her 2-year-old brother died in a fire at Tavuki village in Taveuni last night.

The incident occurred between 8 to 10pm, when a wooden house belonging to a Police officer who was on duty at the Taveuni Police Station caught fire.

It is alleged that the two children and their mother had dinner after which the girl and her brother went to bed.

Police said it is believed the cause of the fire was a lit candle which was placed in the bedroom while the mother had gone to a relative’s house to get some food.

When the mother returned, she saw their house in flames.

The two children could not be saved and they perished in the fire.

The National Fire Authority confirmed that the house was also destroyed.

The Authority is now trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Chief Executive Officer, John O’Connor said it is important for people to always check that all fire ignition sources in the house like stoves, lamps, mosquito coils, prayer diyas and candles are put out completely as a safety measure before leaving home or going to bed.

O'Connor also highlights the need for parents and guardians to ensure that they do not leave their children unsupervised at home.


Story by: Vijay Narayan