Anaya Singh, a student of International School in Suva has donated 15 flash hoods and 72 fire alarm pieces with batteries to the National Fire Authority.
Singh says she wanted to do the project to help the citizens of Fiji as these alarms will save lives.
NFA Chief Executive Officer, Puamau Sowane praised the sterling efforts of an eight-year-old New Zealand born girl with paternal links to Fiji after she started a drive to collect fire alarms and flash hoods to donate to the Suva Fire Station at Walu Bay.
Sowane says the team would identify a suitable community where they would install the 72 automatic fire alarms.
Sowane acknowledged Singh for her kind donation and wished her the best for future on behalf of the Minister for Local Government, the Board of Directors of NFA, the executive management and staff.
Aanya’s father, Warrant Officer Class Two Kamal Singh, is a New Zealand Defence Force soldier based in Fiji as Technical Advisor Army with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
He says she embarked on the project after watching a news story where fire victims suffered smoke inhalation after which she started writing letters to family, friends and organisations in New Zealand seeking donations.
Many pitched in to help when they found out about the cause, even the New Zealand High Commission paid for the postage.
The NFA received 15 flash hoods and 72 fire alarm pieces with batteries installed that could last ten years.
Flash hoods protect a firefighter’s neck and head from heat and provide a tight seal, preventing any smoke from getting in and this is to ensure that the only air a firefighter breathes while fighting a fire comes from the breathing apparatus which usually worn by firefighters.
The flash hoods were provided by the Bulls Volunteer Fire Brigade just outside Palmerston North, which is 140km north of the New Zealand capital, Wellington.
WO2 Singh is a volunteer firefighter with the Bulls Volunteer Fire Brigade.