A warehouse in Fugalei caught fire late Wednesday night, prompting a response from police and fire crews and drawing a large crowd of onlookers.

The Moatoga Warehouse, located behind the SMI Hardware building near the Fugalei Market area, was engulfed in flames after 10 p.m.  The Samoa Observer was at the scene and observed firefighters and police securing the area as fire trucks made their way through the narrow road to reach the back of the property.

Small explosions were heard coming from inside the building as the fire intensified.

Several bystanders had parked along the road behind the warehouse, forcing officers and Fire and Emergency Services Authority personnel to instruct them to move their vehicles to allow emergency access. Neighbours gathered nearby, watching as crews worked to contain the blaze.

Police attempted to control traffic in the area while firefighters battled the fire. The cause of the blaze has not been confirmed.

The incident comes two days after a major fire destroyed Frankie  Hypermarket in Vaitele.

More details to follow.