A family home in Lalovaea was destroyed by fire on Tuesday night. Firefighters were able to stop it from spreading to other surrounding properties.

Even though the exact cause of the incident is unknown, investigations are still ongoing, according to Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA)  Commissioner Tanuvasa Petone Mauga.

One witness to the incident claimed that the mother and the rest of the family were in tears as all their possessions had been damaged in the fire.

The witnesses said neighbours came to the family's assistance and they were sheltered on Tuesday night until they moved to their family's place. 

It is believed that the family was left with just the clothes they were wearing. 

When Samoa Observer visited the site of the fire, the wooden structure was razed to the ground with all its contents.

One of the neighbours who witnessed the incident said it was painful to watch the family emerge from the house sobbing and the folks running around in search of a secure place to stay while they waited for the firefighters to arrive to assist them.

"I saw smoke coming out of the way where the family house is while I was just passing by," he said. 

"Someone else who was standing there then immediately called the fire station, and fortunately, they arrived as soon as possible and assisted the family. 

“I don't know how the fire started, but since it was a wooden house, it must have spread very fast and the family would have had very little time to react."

According to SFESA, fire safety is everyone's responsibility. SFESA advised the public to always keep mosquito coils in containers that cannot catch fire and away from curtains and mattresses.

People are also advised to look after their electrical appliances and always ensure that the electric wiring of the house is done properly since most fires have been attributed to electrical faults.