A family at Mutiatele, Aleipata, are now without a roof over their heads after a fire destroyed their home on Friday night. The home was being renovated for Christmas.

According to a statement issued by the Commissioner of Fire and Emergency Services, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority received a call around 7:21 pm on Friday.

He said the Apia Fire Station responded immediately with the support of the Faleata Fire Station.

Tanuvasa also stated that the off-duty firefighters were recalled to assist, ensuring adequate manpower and operational support throughout the response.

Furthermore, the police also attended the scene to provide support, as suspicious circumstances have been identified at this early stage.

Tanuvasa said a joint investigation is now underway to determine the cause and contributing factors of the incident.

However, relatives of this family at Mutiatele said they feel for their family as the home was currently under renovation.

A relative who did not want to be named said it was sad because the family had invested a lot of money in the renovation.

He said if there are suspicious circumstances about this incident, authorities are able to get to the bottom.

A video on social media showed the home in Mutiatele on fire.

The investigations continue into this incident.