After spate of fires Search & Rescue urges residents to take proactive measures

Currently investigations have determined these incidents are isolated By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Search and Rescue (DSAR) issued an urgent statement after two major fires last week in the Nuʻuuli area — one at a residential family home and another at a commercial building. In their announcement, DSAR- Fire Department highlighted a concerning trend within the community: an increase in fires affecting not only homes but also businesses and surrounding brush areas. While thorough investigations have determined these incidents are isolated and not linked to one another, both the DSAR and its Fire Division take this trend seriously and emphasize the need for community vigilance. To enhance safety, the DSAR- Fire Department is urging every resident and business owner to take proactive measures. They recommend that individuals closely supervise cooking areas to prevent accidents, stay alert for unusual odors or signs of smoke, and unplug appliances when not in use. Additionally, residents are encouraged to test their smoke alarms monthly and ensure all family members know a clear, unobstructed exit route in an emergency. For business owners, recommendations include keeping emergency exits clear and avoiding overloaded electrical circuits, which can pose a fire hazard. Also, remove dry brush and dead leaves from around building perimeters to prevent fires from spreading. Last Wednesday night, a fire erupted around 10:30 PM in the Lions Park area on Lima Street, becoming the latest incident in a troubling series of approximately two dozen fires reported across American Samoa over the last three months. The fire began within a small, three-building compound situated adjacent to an ASTCA tower and communications building. Eyewitnesses at the park's ball courts, alarmed by the flames, quickly rushed over to assess the situation and determine whether anyone needed assistance. Witnesses reported that the blaze's intense heat ignited not only a building and a nearby gazebo, but also nearby palm trees. In addition to the tireless efforts of first responders, ASTCA employees joined the effort to safeguard nearby communications equipment from potential damage. Workers from Samoa Motors also arrived promptly to help relocate vehicles parked in their lot across the street, ensuring emergency vehicles had unencumbered access. Then, on Friday morning, tragedy struck again when a house fire broke out in Nuʻuuli, located behind the pool hall next to Alora’s restaurant. The incident sent one person to the hospital, making it the fourth major fire in American Samoa this month. Neighbors reported that the house was occupied when the fire ignited around 7:30 am. Photographs posted to facebook taken at the scene showed the residence fully engulfed in smoke, with flames licking through cracks in the roof. One eyewitness recounted the dramatic scene, noting that one person was successfully removed from the burning home and subsequently taken away by ambulance for medical care. Emergency responders extinguished the fire within about two hours, working diligently to prevent further damage. Firefighters later confirmed that the fire was linked to a vehicle parked near the house, underscoring the need for public awareness about fire safety. This statement and the subsequent incidents underscore the heightened fire risks the community faces and the importance of preventive actions to protect lives and property. Section: Local News Tags: fires
2026-08-31 17:10:44