5 Oct 2010

New Caledonia hit by early bush fires

4:08 pm on 5 October 2010

New Caledonian authorities are concerned at the damage caused by bush fires.

The season has started early and already, destroying about 20 square kilometres of vegetation.

The fires have struck in many parts of the territory, notably on the Isle of Pines lately.

This follows hot weather, with Noumea last week registering 33 degrees which is the highest September temperature on record.

The Metservice says in Tontouta the temperature was a record 34.8 degrees.

The overall September temperatures were two degrees above average.