flea market fire

"The shop in which the fire initially started was locked and there was absolutely no one around, and it is believed that it may have been a shortage from a power point or an electric appliance that caused the fire," he said.

The popular destination for people to buy handicrafts, garments and food, was completely gutted by a blaze on Saturday.

The president of the Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters, Tagaloa Eddie Wilson, says it's likely many of the stall owners will have lost all their stock in the fire.

“I am relieved to know that there was no loss of life, and there are no reports of anyone being seriously hurt from the fire.
“This is still a busy time for our fleamarket vendors so I sympathise with all of those who have suffered losses because of this unfortunate incident.
“We are urgently looking in to what caused this fire, and also looking at the best way forward for small business owners who are now facing a tougher start to this new year.

During the battle firefighters had to also focus their attention on buildings near to the Tooa Salamasina Hall and another shop with local stalls inside and ensure flames did not spread to them.

Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the market caught fire at about 6pm local time, and the whole building in the centre of town was completely engulfed within an hour.

He says the market was closed when it caught fire and there was nobody inside.

Autagavaia says firefighters have brought the fire under control.