Fire at Poumuli Street

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 22 September 2016, 12:00AM

More than ten acres of land on Poumuli Street in Vaitele fou caught fire yesterday afternoon.

Two fire trucks and several firefighters fought the inferno which threatened nearby families. 

The strong winds didn’t help the small group of firefighters battling the blaze fueled by extremely dry grass, but they found some help from villagers who jumped in to assist the men by pulling the hose towards the affected area.  

The fire authority succeeded in putting out the inferno after many hours of fighting it.  

Bystanders suspect that the fire might have started from people burning rubbish on the unoccupied land. 

Junior Uelese said the fire started from inside the land. 

Mr. Uelese said he was only aware of the fire when he saw smoke and people running towards the area to watch what was happening. 

A father, Manutagi Iloa that lives across from the land that caught fire was concerned. 

The elderly man said his home is always the victim of such fire with smoke surrounding his home. 

“It’s not the first time this particular land has caught on fire,” he said. 

“I have lived here for some years and I can tell you it’s been on fire more than five times. My concern is the wind will carry the smoke and filth from the fire to our house affecting my family and grandchildren.”

The father added that the more than ten acres of land belongs to government and was supposedly allocated to build a school. 

  It was not possible to get an official comment from the Fire and Emergency Service Authority. 

A staff member said the office will give out information once the investigation into the inferno is complete. 

By Lanuola Tupufia – Ah Tong 22 September 2016, 12:00AM
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