A  shop and two adjoining flats in Tacirua were destroyed by fire on Saturday night.

The proprietor who trades from his Princes Road shop who did now wish to be named, suspects arson.

“I know someone must have set the fire on purpose because I don’t see any other reason for the cause of this fire,” the 27-year-old said.

“I have lost everything I had. All my hard work and earnings of many years is gone.”

Neighbour, Peni Matu of Tacirua said he was just next door when the fire started and he ran to help the parents of the owner of the shop.

“I saw the fire started from the back flat and spread to uncle’s (owner’s father) house then I quickly ran to help them,” Matu said.

“The door and the gate of the shop were locked and they were inside the house.

“I broke the gate and the door to get them out with the help of my other friends.

“We got uncle and aunty out as soon as we could before the fire spread to the shop.

“The parents of the owner called him (owner) to advise the fire incident and he came down but by that time, the whole building was on fire.”

Police spokesperson Inspector Josaia Weicavu said the Police are still investigating the site to find the cause of the fire.

“We have our Criminal Investigation Department (CID) officers on the site from this morning to look for the cause of fire.

“I request the members of public to take extra precautions when dealing with any item that can lead to fire incidents,” Inspector Weicavu said.

National Fire Authority fire fighters managed to control the fire by 2am yesterday.

Edited By Rusiate Mataika

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