Major fire destroys USP building

The raging fire on the second level of the Communications Building at USP’s Laucala campus in Suva could be seen from a distance as firefighters worked round-the-clock to contain the blaze. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA

By WANSOLWARA STAFF

STAFF and students at The University of the South Pacific in Suva could only look on in shock after a major fire broke out at the Communications Building on Laucala campus early this morning.

Firefighters continued to battle the raging flames even after midday today but their attempts to save much of the three-storey building from massive damage were in vain.

The Communications Building houses several important departments including the Centre for Flexible Learning, Student Academic Services on the ground floor, and the Pacific TAFE offices, which were badly burnt.

USP management are awaiting an assessment from the National Fire Authority with the cost of damage expected to soar. Meanwhile, alternative work arrangements have been made for staff affected by the fire.

The University’s Acting Vice-President (digital services and human resources) Associate Professor Anjeela Jokhan said it was a sad occasion but reassuring to know that no one was injured during the incident.

“While NFA has been trying to contain the fire, there was still a lot of smoke coming out of the building, particularly from behind the building,” Associate Professor Jokhan said, in an email to staff and students.

Smoke emitting from the building became intense, setting off the fire alarm at the Faculty of Arts, Law & Education building adjacent to the Communications Building.

The hazardous situation also resulted in the evacuation of staff working behind the building, particularly the USP Book Centre and security office.

Associate Professor Jokhan said assessment works on the safety of the area would be carried out today and over the weekend. However, all other sections of the University would operate as normal.

Flames could be seen from the second level of the Communications Building on Laucala campus. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than 12 hours. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA

Dangerous fumes filled the air on Laucala campus. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA

Strong winds did not help as firefighters tried to contain the blaze. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA

USP staff members stood at a safe distance to catch a glimpse of the shocking fire. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

Visible damage could be seen on the second and third floor. Picture: WANSOLWARA STAFF

The cost of damage to the Communications Building at USP’s Laucala campus in Suva is yet to be determined. Picture: LASARUSA DONUVAKAYANUYANU/WANSOLWARA