Resident in Lugainville, Santo have raised concern over delay for fire truck at the scene of arson.

The recent concern was raised on the recent fire that devastated part of the Wanfteng Bank building in lugainville on Wednesday (11/11/2026) and the fire truck arrived late at the scene

The fire damaged an estimated 50 to 80 per cent of the building, according to the officer in charge of the VMF Fire Service, Steward Baniuri, the officer in charge of the fire truck says his office receive the phone call some time after the fire had already started burning the building.

Mr Baniuri said firefighters managed to stop the fire from spreading to the bank’s other building.

Mr Baniuri urged families to take extra care when making  fire, particularly during the current dry season period.

He advised people to make sure cooking fires are completely put out before leaving home.

He also warned smokers not to throw cigarette filters away carelessly, as it could start fires in dry areas.

The cause of the fire has not yet been established.