The Fiji Police Force has initiated an investigation into a potentially deliberate fire that ravaged approximately 90 hectares of pine forest on Ono Island, Kadavu. The blaze erupted on Monday within the Naqara Pine Scheme and, thanks to the concerted efforts of Naqara villagers and local authorities, was contained only after two days of persistent firefighting.
Minister for Forestry Alitia Bainivalu confirmed the police’s involvement in probing the fire’s origin, although detailed insights are currently withheld. In her public address, she expressed gratitude towards the local community and the Fiji Police Force for their diligent efforts in controlling the fire’s spread. Acknowledging the significance of the community’s intervention, Minister Bainivalu revealed that the fire disrupted pine stands previously scheduled for near-term harvesting, posing a significant impact on local forestry operations.
The Fiji Pine Trust has undertaken preliminary damage assessments, while the Ministry of Forestry has established an evaluation team to survey the impacted areas and determine the potentiality of recovering any timber. Minister Bainivalu reassured residents of Kadavu of the government’s unwavering support, emphasizing collaboration with the Fiji Pine Trust and affected communities to implement recovery strategies and improve future fire prevention measures.
This incident highlights the vulnerability of Fiji’s forestry sector to natural and possibly man-made threats, underlining the importance of robust fire management systems. Previous initiatives by the Ministry, such as the substantial investment aimed at enhancing maritime pine operations, underscore the sector’s significance to Fiji’s economy. The forestry and logging industry is a notable contributor, generating approximately $31.1 million in 2022 and representing a key part of the national economic fabric.
The recent fire on Ono Island adds a layer of urgency to ongoing efforts in reinforcing sustainable forestry practices and ensuring the safety and prosperity of affected communities. It also brings to light the larger context of climate change challenges impacting the forestry sector, including heightened risks of fires and the complexities of sustaining monoculture plantations in changing environmental conditions.
Despite these challenges, Minister Bainivalu’s commitment to maintaining the sustainability of essential forestry operations offers a positive outlook. This resilience and proactive planning could eventually lead to fortified strategies that promote both ecological and economic sustainability in Fiji’s forestry sector, fostering a future of greater preparedness and stability.