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๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ฏ Fiji /Disasters & Emergencies

NFA Warns against destroying fire evidence

From FBC News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The National Fire Authority (NFA) warns that individuals interfering with fire investigations may face legal action.
  • Action can be taken against those who remove damaged structures before official assessments are complete.
  • NFA CEO Sowane Puamau raised this concern during a presentation to a parliamentary committee.

The National Fire Authority (NFA) has issued a stern warning against tampering with fire investigations, stating that legal action may be pursued against those who interfere. The authority emphasizes that individuals must not remove damaged structures from a fire scene before NFA officers have concluded their official assessments.

This concern was highlighted by NFA Chief Executive Officer Sowane Puamau. He brought the issue to the attention of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Social Affairs during a recent presentation. Puamau was appearing before the committee to discuss the NFA's response to the Public Health (Amendment) Bill, among other matters.

The NFA's statement underscores the importance of preserving evidence at fire scenes to ensure thorough and accurate investigations. Interference could compromise the ability to determine the cause of a fire and potentially hinder efforts to prevent future incidents. The authority is urging the public and property owners to cooperate fully with fire investigators.

Action can be taken against those who interfere with fire investigations by removing damaged structures before officers complete their assessments.

โ€” Sowane Puamau, NFA Chief Executive OfficerStating the NFA's position on interference with fire scene investigations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by FBC News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.