Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Fire Division's response to the series of fires that broke out across American Samoa in July was scrutinized by the Senate Public Safety Committee at its hearing last Wednesday.

Senate Vice President Magalei Logovii said reports showed that in several incidents, fire crews arrived only after the homes were already destroyed, raising serious concerns about response times. Magalei noted that he had watched an interview on KVZK‑TV where Department of Search and Rescue (DSAR) Director Utumoe Alefosio, explained that the division is struggling with a shortage of personnel. Alefosio also pointed out that in some neighborhoods, nearby fire hydrants had no water, making it impossible for firefighters to control the flames.

Magalei spoke bluntly, saying the situation “did not sit well” with him because it suggested negligence within the Fire Division. He said this was the reason senior officials from ASPA were subpoenaed — to explain why hydrants were dry and to determine who is responsible for the failures that contributed to the July fires.

DSAR Director Utumoe Alefosio, testified that in earlier years, the Fire Division routinely checked fire hydrants and monitored water pressure. However, he said this practice stopped after ASPA adopted a policy stating that only utility personnel are allowed to perform hydrant and water‑pressure checks.

ASPA Chief Operations Officer Ryan Tuato‘o confirmed that this restriction was true in the past, but said the agency is now prepared to work jointly with DSAR to inspect hydrants and verify water pressure going forward. He explained that when DSAR tests hydrants without notifying ASPA, it can cause temporary drops in water pressure for nearby homes. With more than 500 fire hydrants on Tutuila, simultaneous testing could significantly affect household water supply.

Tuato‘o also noted that ASPA currently experiences about 60 percent water loss, and the agency prefers that DSAR be metered for the water used during hydrant testing so ASPA can track usage accurately.

He said that from now on, DSAR must inform ASPA before conducting any hydrant tests, and the Fire Division will be responsible for maintaining the hydrants. ASPA is also installing new hydrants in areas where new water lines are being added, while removing hydrants in locations where they are no longer needed.

Senator Magalei said that policy should never stand in the way of public safety. He emphasized that when a fire breaks out, it is an emergency, and fire hydrants must be tested and confirmed to be working, regardless of any restrictions or procedures.

"It doesn't make sense to me," Magalei argued. "If there is no water, homes will burn to the ground. Who's to blame if there is no water in the fire hydrants when there is a fire? When there's an emergency, lives are at risk. Any kind of policy is irrelevant because it's a matter of life and death."

He explained that a recent fire in his neighborhood revealed several serious zoning issues. When the home caught fire, the Zoning Board noted that the roads leading to the property were too narrow and in poor condition, which prevented fire trucks from reaching the house quickly.

The Board also pointed out another problem: the homes in the area were built too close together, creating a higher risk that a fire could easily spread from one structure to another. These concerns, he said, show why zoning standards must be followed to protect public safety.

Senator Ponausuia Luce Ponausuia  — a former ASPA employee — explained that in earlier years, ASPA’s role was limited to providing the water, while the Fire Division was responsible for maintaining fire hydrants. If hydrants had low pressure, the Fire Division would notify ASPA so the issue could be corrected.

Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean added that since 1990, he has never seen hydrants near his home in Pago Pago being tested. He agreed with Ponausuia that hydrants must be checked regularly to ensure they work during emergencies.

Tuaolo then asked Taulapapa William Sword, Chief Engineer of ASPA’s Water Division, whether he believed homes should be required to install water sprinklers to help fight fires. Taulapapa responded that his recommendation would be to mandate smoke detectors, which he said are more practical and effective for early warning.

Taulapapa also explained that the new MOU between ASPA and DSAR creates a framework for the two agencies to work together. He agreed that hydrants should be checked regularly, but noted that ASPA’s non‑revenue water loss is substantial, and hydrant‑testing water must be metered so ASPA can track usage.

Senator Gaoteote Palaie Tofau insisted that someone must be clearly responsible for ensuring hydrants are functioning. “What I’m hearing,” he said, “is the buck being passed around.”

Senators Magalei and Levu Tula Solaita recommended that ASPA investigate construction companies drawing water from hydrants for cement production, suggesting this could be a major contributor to ASPA’s high water‑loss rate.

Magalei recalled an incident from years ago when the road to Aoloau was being sealed. He said a construction company working on the project used a nearby fire hydrant to fill a large water container for mixing cement — something he believes shows why hydrants must be regularly checked and protected.

But it was explained that such companies have meters and there was a $1,000 penalty for any company that gets water from a fire hydrant without a meter.

The chairman of the Public Safety Committee, Senator Olo Uluao Letuli, concluded the hearing by requesting a comprehensive report listing all fire hydrants on Tutuila and Manu‘a, along with the dates of their most recent inspections and testing.