30 Oct 2003

Bush fires extinguished in south of New Caledonia

4:19 pm on 30 October 2003

Bush fires continue in the south of New Caledonia have been contained after blazing since Sunday.

The fires have destroyed dozens of hectares of hill country near Yate and La Capture amid concern that they could spread to a forest plantation or a nearby river park.

Fire fighters used helicopters to stop the fire which was worst on steep slopes that could not be reached with fire engines.