The National Fire Authority is calling for property owners to be more vigilant and check their living and work surrounding to ensure that there are no flammable materials.

This follows a fire at Suva's Tanoa Plaza last night. According to preliminary investigations into the fire, the authority concluded that the fire may have started from welding slag.

District Fire Officer Central - Eastern, Qio Moceitai, said that caution needs to be exercised, as even cinders which are slow burning, may cause a fire.

The fire at the Tanoa Plaza was successfully put out by the quick action of the hotel staff who immediately evacuated guests and used their fire-fighting skills to control the blaze while waiting for the fire trucks to arrive.

Investigations are underway to determine the cause and costs of the fire.