National Fire Authority (NFA) attended to a Ship fire incident at the Government Shipyard in Walu Bay, Suva this morning.
NFA Suva received the fire emergency call at 0946hrs and immediately responded. Upon arrival at 0955hrs, firefighters saw thick smoke and flames coming out of the partly dismantled vessel which was berthed at the Government Ship Yard.
Firefighters were able to fully extinguish fire at 12pm this afternoon and stopped the fire from spreading to the nearby vessels also berthed at the Government Shipyard.
NFA is currently conducting the investigation.
NFA CEO John O’Connor who was also at the site expressed his concern on this ship fire incident.
“Such fires are a threat to the nearby vessels and also to the environment because of the oil and flammable liquid contained in the ship. The ship was being dismantled for scrap metal.
Mr O’Connor is urging vessel owners to ensure they have proper work permit systems are in place to carry out welding in such confined spaces. Employees undertaking welding works must be properly trained and they must recognize the risks associated in welding in confined space.
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