People in Samoa are being urged to brace for high fire risks as dry weather and powerful trade wings trigger a nationwide safety alert.
SFESA said changing weather patterns associated with El Niño, including warmer and drier weather conditions, have increased the dryness of soil, dry grass, vegetation and forests. These conditions can allow fires to start and spread easily, creating a serious risk to public safety.
The warning follows an increasing number of calls for assistance involving fires, putting the safety of people, families, homes and property at risk.
A recent bushfire in Savai‘i, near the villages of Samalae‘ulu and Puapua, has highlighted the dangers posed by the current conditions.
The bushfire was successfully put out by firefighters on Saturday, but SFESA warned that the hot, dry and windy conditions could cause the fire to start again.
