Samoa has introduced its first fully electric firefighting vehicles and specialised equipment in a launch held at the Apia Fire Station on Friday morning.
The event was led by the Minister for Natural Resources and Environment, Fire and Emergency Services and Parliament, Seve Tē’i Fuimaono, who acknowledged church leaders, Cabinet members, diplomatic corps, development partners, and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) for their presence.
The Minister said the project reflects ongoing cooperation between the Government of Samoa, the Government of Japan, and the United Nations Development Programme through the Climate Action Pathways for Island Transport partnership. She said the support enables Samoa to strengthen emergency response work while shifting toward renewable electric technologies.
Two fully electric Ford F-150 Lightning first responder vehicles were handed over, along with specialised firefighting tools valued at more than 100,000 US dollars. The Minister said the new vehicles and equipment will help firefighters respond with better speed, preparedness, and safety.
She recognised the daily work of firefighters, describing their role as central to public safety as they respond to emergencies across the country. She stressed the need for modern tools and ongoing training, especially as Samoa adapts to new risks including fires involving electric vehicles.
The Minister expressed appreciation to Japan and UNDP for the assistance provided. She said the new assets represent progress toward a safe environment and align with Samoa’s Pathway for Development 2021–2026.
She said the vehicles and equipment will serve communities as Samoa works to strengthen resilience and build a safer future for the next generations.
This article is based on the keynote speech delivered by Minister Seve Tē’i Fuimaono at the launch of Samoa’s first fully electric firefighting vehicles and equipment.
