An elderly woman who lost her business and home in Alafua last week has expressed gratitude for the support she received dealing with the tragedy in the days that followed.

It was on Monday 18 November when a fire starting from the back of the flats at Plantation House claimed four of the five buildings in the compound. It was good work by firefighters that had the blaze contained and stopped from spreading to neighbouring homes.

The garage, double apartment, the family house, and the workshop were all destroyed by fire. 

The founder of Plantation House Marita Wendt expressed her gratitude to all of the family members and friends of Plantation House Samoa around the world.

"I bear the burden of my loss and suffering, but your kindness, presence, comments, and generosity let me know I'm not alone," she said in a statement posted on the Plantation House Facebook page.

“Even when I feel broken, they serve as a silent reminder that I am loved. Your generosity has strengthened me and your encouragement enables me to go through anything.

“I stand determined to continue amid the ashes. To feel motivated. To produce. I have a lot of work ahead of me."

Mrs Wendt also met with her employees last Friday to ensure that they would be financially stable for at least a few weeks.

The children of Marita Wendt also released a statement.

"We would like to thank the courageous men and women of the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services for their prompt response to our mother's need for assistance when her business and the family home caught fire," they said.

They also applauded the Samoan police officers for their prompt assistance. As they helped their mother, they were kind and considerate. 

“We look forward to their investigation's outcome and have complete faith in their dedication to finding solutions. That evening, a lot of people hurried to assist Mum," the children said.

“She got to safety because of you. Our gratitude and relief are beyond words. Coworkers, friends, relatives, and neighbours have come together to offer consoling words, prayers, food, clothing, money, and other necessities.”

Samoa Fire and Emergency Services started investigating the cause of the fire last week and until now no word has been said of what caused the blaze.