Residents in Faleula were woken up early Thursday morning by a huge fire that engulfed a huge 'fale' belonging to the Sa Telea extended family. The structure houses bingo games.

The family had been preparing for a 'matai' title bestowment on the weekend in the fale.

Eyewitnesses said they called the Samoa Fire Emergency and Services Authority for assistance, and they arrived in time to put out the fire. The families staying behind the structure had to use their water hoses to prevent the fire from spreading to their homes. 

"All I can tell you is that the fire happened around 4 this morning. We did not expect this. We watched as the fire destroyed our extended family house (faletele). We called it in, but before they got here we did our part also of securing our family because we saw the fire was about to spread to that house."

"I heard the sirens and came out to see that house in flames. I'm glad that everyone is safe no one got hurt."

The family were reluctant to comment on the incident as they were still in shock about what had happened. 

The roof of the structure was destroyed leaving just poles and the foundation.

It has been marked as a restricted area.

Fire Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga confirmed that they received the call at 3.55 am and the men arrived at the scene at 4.10 am. 

"When they got there, the building was fully engulfed by the fire, so it made it difficult for them to save the building as most of it was covered with flames. They did what they were supposed to do to try and save the other buildings. They were able to contain the fire and stop it from spreading," he said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

"From their observations, the damage started from the top so it is difficult to identify what caused the fire. Faulty wiring is suspected to be an aspect as it is the only thing close to the top of the building. Nobody can go up on the roof and do anything, these are based on observation by the team and information given to them by the people who were at the scene," said Tanuvasa.

It is also unclear if there will be an alternate location for the bingo as the venue drew large crowds.