  | * What had happened at the Army headquarters that the fire had not been spotted on time for it to be contained? |   |
Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry has queried how a huge fire could rage unchecked at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks completely destroying the 3FIR headquarters causing millions of dollars in damage.
“I am confounded that the fire was not spotted on time to bring it under control and contain its spread. Isn’t the army supposed to have guards on vigil all night?”
“I am also surprised that to date neither the Army Commander nor the government has issued a statement on the incident. There is a lot that needs to be explained,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“What had happened at the Army headquarters that the fire had not been spotted on time for it to be contained? Where guards on duty in the early hours of the morning?
“And what about the RFMF’s own fire fighting equipment? I do not believe that the army is so ill-equipped it does not have its own fire fighting gadgets.
“We call for a thorough investigation into the lapse at army headquarters while the nation awaits a report from the NFA on the cause of the fire and how it spread,” Mr Chaudhry said.
It seems the National Fire Authority was alerted at 3.30am or so and claims it responded immediately but the entire building had been gutted by the time they arrived at the camp.
The damage caused is substantial destroying a canteen, orderly room, regimental room, office spaces, transport office conference room, operation centre, support company, armoury, administration headquarters and training office, stores, bulk etc.
“The destruction must run into millions of dollars particularly if arms and ammunition were destroyed. The nation is awaiting an explanation from the Army and the government. Why the silence?” Mr Chaudhry said.
“I am confounded that the fire was not spotted on time to bring it under control and contain its spread. Isn’t the army supposed to have guards on vigil all night?”
“I am also surprised that to date neither the Army Commander nor the government has issued a statement on the incident. There is a lot that needs to be explained,” Mr Chaudhry said.
“What had happened at the Army headquarters that the fire had not been spotted on time for it to be contained? Where guards on duty in the early hours of the morning?
“And what about the RFMF’s own fire fighting equipment? I do not believe that the army is so ill-equipped it does not have its own fire fighting gadgets.
“We call for a thorough investigation into the lapse at army headquarters while the nation awaits a report from the NFA on the cause of the fire and how it spread,” Mr Chaudhry said.
It seems the National Fire Authority was alerted at 3.30am or so and claims it responded immediately but the entire building had been gutted by the time they arrived at the camp.
The damage caused is substantial destroying a canteen, orderly room, regimental room, office spaces, transport office conference room, operation centre, support company, armoury, administration headquarters and training office, stores, bulk etc.
“The destruction must run into millions of dollars particularly if arms and ammunition were destroyed. The nation is awaiting an explanation from the Army and the government. Why the silence?” Mr Chaudhry said.
2000 Mutiny: Fire, Fire, Fire. My Pants is on Fire. Run, Run, Run, Frank
Fijileaks: How come NO SOLDIER was on guard duty at the time of the FIRE when ordinary and deeply religious Christian i-Taukei Fijians
were ordered to turn up for work on the Holy Christmas Day?
