Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — For many years, Vaitogi village has enforced a 24-hour curfew from 6 p.m. on Sept. 15 to 6 p.m. Sept. 16 in commemoration of a devastating fire that occurred in the village decades ago.

The curfew permits no movement, with village ‘aumaga blocking off the entrance to the village.

Vehicles and/or pedestrians are not allowed to enter or exit the village for the 24-hour period which ends tonight at 6 p.m.

Last week the Department of Public Safety received a notice from the Attorney General’s Office advising that Vaitogi will be enforcing their annual curfew.

“I request your department's assistance. The only exceptions are made for emergency medical and police services or reasons. This is a very important cultural observance and we hope you can help with this effort. Feel free to call on me if you should need anything further,” AG Fain'ulelei F. Ala'ilima-Utu said in the government release.

BACKGROUND

As residents tell the story, a fire raged through Vaitogi lands for days and could not be extinguished, threatening the lives of residents and destroying scores of acres of crops and vegetation.

After village chiefs gathered the people together to pray for the fires to stop, heavy rain fell extinguishing the flames.

Since then Vaitogi villagers from near and far have gathered each year to mark the event.

A prayer service is held and there's feasting and entertainment.

No one will be allowed to enter or leave the village until 6 o'clock this evening.