A fire that broke out at the Manu’a Store in Tafuna around 5 p.m. yesterday continued smoldering into this morning, with smoke still visible and fire crews still on scene as of 5 a.m. All employees escaped safely, and there were no injuries or deaths.
The fire started in the back of the store and spread quickly throughout the building. Flames continued to erupt from within the structure overnight.
Fire trucks from the Department of Search and Rescue and the Airport Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) Truck worked to contain the blaze from the front, sides, and back of the building. Police controlled traffic and crowds as onlookers gathered to watch the flames. Many store employees remained at the scene until around 10 p.m.
The cause of the fire has not been determined, but officials believe it originated near the store’s electrical panels. An investigation is underway.
Store owners Genhall “Manu’a” Chen and his wife Michelle are currently off island. Chen’s sister, Tutuila Chen Sauvao, said:
“Material things we can replace, but not lives. We are so thankful that no one was injured or killed. Everyone is safe.”
The store employs about 55 people. It just reopened yesterday after a two day closure by the Environmental Health Services Division of the Department of Health for what was cited as “a critical concern. “
Manu’a operates two other locations, in Malaeimi and Pago Pago.
Acting Director of the Department of Search and Rescue, Dr. Akenese Nikolao praised the coordinated response among government agencies, including Port Administration, the Department of Public Safety, and the American Samoa Power Authority. Acting Commissioner of Public Safety Lauti Tautalasoo Moliga was also present at the scene.
Nikolao said business owners Papali’i Laulii Alofa of Paramount and Atuatasi Jerry Seigafo of Quality Painting Construction also provided assistance, along with many other individuals who came forward to help.
This was the second fire yesterday. The first one occurred at a home in Pava’ia’i. However efforts to obtain information about that fire were not successful.
