The Minister for Local Government Colonel Samuela Saumatua has raised serious concerns over the Valebasoga Tropic Board fire, which was the second fire incident on the same premisis within a two month period.

Col. Saumatua said despite the continued destruction of facilities by fire, business houses and home owners continue to ignore the advice and recommendations of the National Fire Authority in making facilities fire compliant.

He said the devastation to the national economy in the wake of one fire cannot be taken lightly.

The Minister has directed the NFA to stringently scrutinize facility owners who, through negligence and deliberate ignorance, undermine the efforts of the NFA towards a "fire compliant" nation.

Assessments are now underway on the high risk and high threat areas that may contribute to economic slow downs due to fires.

Col. Saumatua said he is closely monitoring the national risk and threat analysis to ensure that the national economy is not crippled due to fires that are a result of people's laxity.