A house in Tofoa was completely destroyed by fire on Sunday after a delay in reaching Tonga’s Fire & Emergency Services (TFES).
Deputy Fire and Emergency Commissioner Sinamoni Kauvaka told Tonga Broadcasting that by the time fire services were alerted, the blaze had already consumed the roof and ceiling of the home.
The delay occurred when locals were unsure of the correct number to call for emergency services.
“It took time for people to reach the fire service because they didn’t know the number to call,” said the TFES. After attempting several numbers, they finally contacted the fire service, but it was too late.
Kauvaka has urged the public to memorise the fire emergency number 999 to prevent similar delays in the future.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.