6 Nov 2017

Major New Caldonia fire extinguished

12:13 pm on 6 November 2017

Authorities in New Caledonia say a bush fire burning since mid-October north of Noumea has finally been extinguished.

firefighter with hose

Photo: 123RF

The blaze started on 18 October and gradually destroyed about 20 square kilometres of vegetation.

The Civil Security service said nobody was injured but there had been substantial material losses, including livestock.

The fire burnt mainly in the hills behind Paita and Tontouta, briefly impacting on road and air traffic.

250 firefighters were deployed to control the blaze.

A territory-wide fire ban has been in place for weeks after a dry winter.