A large fire erupted on September 22, 2025, at the Naqara Pine Scheme on Ono Island in Kadavu. Thanks to the concerted efforts of local villagers and leaders, the blaze was successfully contained by September 24. Alitia Bainivalu, the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry, expressed relief that there were no casualties and assured that both the village and its school remained protected during the incident.
The fire impacted approximately 90 hectares of pine that were planned for future harvesting. To understand the full extent of the damage and to identify potential salvageable timber, the Fiji Pine Trust has conducted preliminary assessments, with further evaluations still pending. Minister Bainivalu commended the local community’s initiative in stopping the fire’s spread and acknowledged the support from local authorities, particularly the Fiji Police Force, which is looking into the suspected causes of the fire.
Attention is now turning to recovery efforts. A collaborative assessment team from Forestry Operations and Fiji Pine Trust will inspect the affected area to map it out, identify salvageable logs, and update the pine inventory accordingly. The government, led by Bainivalu, is committed to aiding Kadavu’s inhabitants by bolstering recovery projects, securing livelihoods, and maintaining the significant economic contribution of the pine industry to Fiji.
In addition to recovery efforts, plans are in place to collaborate with the community, Fiji Pine Trust, and various stakeholders to implement effective fire prevention strategies. This initiative aligns with Fiji’s broader commitment to sustainable forestry practices, reflected in previous investments in maritime pine operations and the development of new forestry infrastructure.
These government strategies emphasize the dual focus on the economic benefits and the environmental importance of sustainable forestry. By prioritizing resource conservation, Fiji aims to protect its natural heritage and ensure that future generations continue to benefit from it.