Pacific / American Samoa

Fire in American Samoa takes out solar power grid

06:39 am on 26 June 2019

A fire in American Samoa has taken out the solar power grid in the Manu'a Islands group.

Friday's blaze at the micro-grid power-plant on Ofu decimated a solar battery storage building which leaves the territory's eastern islands entirely reliant on diesel generation.

The fire at the the micro-grid power-plant on Ofu Photo: Supplied

A local lawmaker Tiaoali'i Sai said the fire could have been a disaster if it had spread to a neighbouring gas station.

Tiaoali'i was among those who closed the building down and fought the fire with hoses through the window.

The local fire truck had been moved to the main island Tutuila.

It is unknown when solar power generation will be restored.