Firefighters managed to stop a blaze from spreading to neighbouring homes but could do little to save a shop and a home in Vaitoloa on early Wednesday.

Samoa Observer visited the scene to find the building damaged by the fire. The area around the wooden and iron structure was cordoned off with barrier tape. 

Inside the house, the wooden structure was charred, and damaged water pipes continued to leak, with water still flowing from them. Blackened remnants of burnt wood and ash covered the ground.

Tanuvasa Petone Mauga, Fire Commissioner, confirmed that firefighters were able to stop the fire from spreading to nearby homes. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

While investigations continue on the cause of the fire, the Fire Commissioner said he will follow up on the matter with the Samoa Observer. The family is now left to deal with the aftermath of the fire.

One family member was seen dousing smouldering embers with buckets of water. They declined to comment or provide any details about their ordeal, saying they were hurt by what had happened and would speak about the situation at a later time.

A video circulating on Facebook showed firefighters battling fierce flames as the building was consumed by smoke and fire. Hoses sprayed water while crews worked quickly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.