A significant fire broke out on September 22, 2025, in the Naqara Pine Scheme at Ono Island, Kadavu, prompting a swift response from local villagers and leaders that successfully contained the blaze by September 24. Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, Alitia Bainivalu, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost and emphasized that both the village and its school remained secure throughout the incident.
The fire affected around 90 hectares of pine stands that had been scheduled for future harvests. Preliminary damage assessments have been conducted by the Fiji Pine Trust, with more evaluations underway to ascertain the full extent of losses and identify salvageable timber. Bainivalu praised the community’s determination in halting the fire’s spread and recognized the aid provided by local authorities, especially the Fiji Police Force, which is investigating the fire’s suspected cause.
Efforts are now gearing towards recovery, as a joint assessment team from Forestry Operations and Fiji Pine Trust will visit the site to map affected areas, identify recoverable logs, and update the pine inventory. Bainivalu confirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Kadavu’s residents by reinforcing recovery initiatives, sustaining their livelihoods, and maintaining the pine industry’s contribution to Fiji’s economy.
Besides the ongoing recovery activities, the Ministry plans to work closely with the community, Fiji Pine Trust, and other stakeholders to adopt robust fire prevention methods for the future. This aligns with Fiji’s broader focus on enhancing sustainable forestry practices, as highlighted in previous announcements regarding investments in maritime pine operations and the development of new forestry infrastructure.
As part of the government’s strategic initiatives, there is a continuous emphasis on the economic and environmental benefits of sustainable forestry, aiming to preserve community resources and safeguard Fiji’s natural heritage for future generations.