A fire destroyed a one-room unit behind Mata Lemalu's family home on Lauti Street in Vaitele-Fou on Thursday afternoon.

While the family suspects the fire could have started from a faulty power point, the family believes recent power outages in the vicinity may have contributed to the tragic event.

"I am not entirely sure if it was a coil but I'm sure it could have been a power surge around that area because one of our shop refrigerators at the shop suddenly went off since the power had problems recently," Mrs. Lemalu told the Samoa Observer.

Mrs. Lemalu, 43-years-old recounted the harrowing experience of witnessing the flames engulf one of their apartments where her 12-year-old son usually stayed with another 30-year-old relative. 

"I ran outside thinking my 12-year-old boy was in that house but thank God he was with us in the other house that I was in," she told the Samoa Observer.

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) in Faleata and Apia responded to the scene within half an hour. Still, despite their efforts, the wooden structure was reduced to. 

Mrs. Lemalu's 12-year-old son, Keldien stated that he remembered that there was a power point inside their house which he thought could have started the fire.

The devastated woman explained that she was inside her room at the time and felt heated air enter from her window. She said she looked outside and was shocked at what she saw. 

Mrs. Lemalu and the children filled buckets of water to fight the fire but were unsuccessful.

When Samoa Observer arrived at the scene, firefighters were tirelessly working to put the fire out. Mrs. Lemalu and four children stood and watched as one of their units was razed to the ground.

Mrs. Lemalu was thankful no one was hurt in the incident. The destruction caused by the fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of homes and the importance of fire safety measures in the area.

"I just hope no one would have to go through what I am going through, please check your homes at all times," she remarked.

The aftermath of the fire leaves a somber atmosphere in Vaitele-Fou, with residents coming to terms with the loss and devastation caused by the destructive blaze.