18 Nov 2019

New Caledonia bushfires cause more disruptions

1:42 pm on 18 November 2019

Bushfires in New Caledonia continue to cause disruptions.

A grass fire between Queenstown and Arrowtown has been tackled.

Photo: Photo / AFP

A fire near Noumea prompted the evacuation of several houses while smoke forced other people to stay indoors.

In the north of the main island, a bushfire briefly forced the main road to be closed.

In the past two months, more than 100 square kilometres of vegetation have been ravaged by wind-fuelled flames, including a 75ha pine plantation in the north of the main island.

Prolonged dry conditions have prompted the authorties to impose fire bans which will be in force at least until the middle of next month.

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