The Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority has confirmed that a recurring bush and forest fire at Samalaeulu in Savaiʻi has been fully extinguished after several days of firefighting operations, while crews were also called to a separate bush fire at Falealupo.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 18 August 2026, SFESA said the Samalaeulu fire was first reported at approximately 11:57am on Friday, 14 August, prompting firefighters from the Maota and Asau fire stations to respond.
Dry vegetation and windy conditions contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
According to SFESA, the incident followed an earlier bush fire in the same area on Saturday, 8 August. The fire later reignited on Saturday, 15 August, requiring continued suppression, containment and monitoring operations.
As the situation developed, the Commissioner authorised additional firefighting resources to be deployed from Upolu to Savaiʻi.
The reinforcement team included 12 senior firefighting personnel, a water tanker truck, a firefighting truck, additional firefighting equipment, logistical support and corporate and media support personnel.
All off-duty firefighters in Savaiʻi were also recalled to strengthen the response while crews waited for the Upolu reinforcement team to arrive.
SFESA said its Fire Safety personnel used drone technology to provide aerial views of the affected area and assist with operational coordination.
The Upolu team then worked alongside firefighters already based in Savaiʻi, carrying out suppression, containment and hotspot monitoring throughout the weekend.
While crews were continuing to battle the Samalaeulu fire, SFESA received another report of a separate bush fire at Falealupo.
Firefighters from the Asau Fire Station were immediately deployed to assist with suppression efforts and assess the situation.
Commander Maiava from Maota was also directed to liaise with representatives of the village council to support local coordination and ensure the affected area continued to be monitored.
SFESA said the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to Savaiʻi strengthened its ability to manage both incidents at the same time.
Combined firefighting teams from Savaiʻi and Upolu carried out sustained fire suppression, containment and hotspot cooling operations at Samalaeulu.
The Samalaeulu fire was fully contained and extinguished at approximately 5pm on Sunday, 16 August, with SFESA reporting no further threat to nearby properties or the community.
The Authority acknowledged the firefighters involved in the operation, including the 12 personnel deployed from Upolu, Savaiʻi-based crews, Fire Safety personnel and support staff.
SFESA also thanked the Aliʻi ma Faipule and communities of Samalaeulu and Falealupo for their cooperation and support during the response.
Following the incidents, the Authority renewed its warning to the public to avoid burning rubbish, vegetation or other materials during dry and windy conditions.
SFESA warned that fires can spread rapidly under such conditions and become difficult to control, urging members of the public to exercise extreme caution as dry conditions continue.
This story is based on a press release issued by the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority on 18 August 2026.
