The occupants of a house in Veitatalo in Neiafu, Vavaʻu escaped unharmed from a blaze which caused significant damage to a building owned by a local businessman.

The cause of the fire which erupted at about 4am this morning Friday, January 1, 2016 has yet to be officially determined.

Fire
First house fire of 2016 in Vavaʻu. Photo/Latu Niua Lepolo

A correspondent in Vavaʻu however told Kaniva News it was alleged the fire started after one of the occupants fell asleep leaving food he was cooking on the stove unattended.

The owner of the house, ʻIsi Lutui Fakatulolo operates a bakery and it was not immediately clear whether or not it was affected by the fire.

Emergency Service authority in Vavaʻu could not be reached for comments.