ONE of Forum Fisheries Agency’s (FFA) residence buildings at Rifle Range area, east Honiara, was completely burnt down yesterday.

The residents are said to be away on holidays overseas.

The fire is estimated to have started around 12pm and spread quickly through the top of the building.

Firefighters arrived at the scene but were unable to do anything to save the house since it was already engulfed in flame.

The house was occupied by a couple employed at FFA who are reported to be away on holidays in PNG.

The male PNG national is married to a Solomon Islander.

The cause of the fire still unknown and the Fire and Rescue Service and Police are now investigating the incident.

The Director for Fire and Rescue Service, RSIPF, Mr Rodney Kuma said that both the Fire unit and the police will handle the investigations.

“One side will be Fire Service, that is we try to find out what causes the fire, and then if we see any serious issues then we handover to police for further investigation but if we determine its electrical fault, we left it there.

“Unless building owner requires information for insurance then we will conduct full investigation to try determining real cause of fire.”

Meanwhile, Mr Kuma advises general public to take safety measures when handling stoves and electrical devices as many house in Honiara are timber structured and almost 15 to 20 years old – prone to fire.

“Massage as we heading towards Christmas festive prevent homes from fire, and any small fire quickly kills it, if not calls fire service,” Mr Kuma said.

Mr Nathan Ratu, who is the house keeper, said that he was washing clothes in the ground floor when the fire started in what he believes one of the rooms.

By then, he said, when he realized that the building was on fire, the house was already consumed.

He said that rushed to kill the fire but was unable because the flames spread quickly.

So he did the only thing which he could, and that was to save whatever property that he could from the fire.

No one was hurt from the fire and other adjacent buildings and properties are reported safe.