The start of the week was unfortunate for a family in Siusega as they watched their two-storey home get destroyed by a fire early Monday morning. 

The black smoke was noticeable from quite a distance as the fire blitzed through the wooden structure and in the process damaged the family vehicle as well.

Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Matofai Mata'u Lotu confirmed that they received the call at 8:32 am and Faleata fire station responded right away. The Apia station assisted with the trucks. 

"We responded immediately to avoid the exposure to other families nearby. When the incident happened, it was just the mother at home doing chores, while her husband and kids had left for work and school," he said. 

"At this moment, it's too early to say what caused the fire. The house is old. The mother who was at home said that she was doing her washing when she saw the other side of the house collapsing. These are the only information we have available but investigations are still ongoing."

When Samoa Observer arrived at the scene, the firefighters had managed to bring the fire under control and stop it from spreading to neighbouring homes.

There were more than 10 firefighters on site, there were others investigating the situation, while others worked on putting out the fire behind the house. 

Neighbours were present and concerned but reluctant to comment on the situation. The lady who appeared to be the owner of the house was speaking with the fire department and unable to comment. 

Meanwhile, Samoa Observer photojournalist Junior S Ami was told by a firefighter that coverage of the incident was prohibited. The Acting Commissioner was asked if the media were banned from covering fire incidents, and he said there are no such directives.

Matofai said he was informed by the firefighter that he simply told the media that they not allowed near the scene for safety reasons.