The Samoa Fire and Emergency Authority Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, has urged all property owners in Samoa to install fire alarms on the back of another fire in Apia’s commercial area on Wednesday evening, which destroyed another business premise.
“Early fire detection is crucial and plays a vital role in protecting our properties and especially our lives,” Tanuvasa said.
He added, fire alarms can notify the residents or FESA office immediately and can minimize the damages to a property in case of a fire emergency.
The fire, which started in the accommodation block for the Sunrise Restaurant staff, is the second major blaze in as many weeks in the business area of Taufusi.
Tanuvasa defended his staff from public criticism over water shortages in efforts to put out the fire.
“We don’t provide water, we rely on Samoa Water Authority for that, and we find the nearest output for the fire hydrant around the area,” he said.
“People assume that every fire truck they see should have water on it, and that’s why they think that way. People need to understand that.”
No one was injured in the blaze, the cause of which has not yet been determined.
