Fiji Pine Limited (FPL) has warned that people found deliberately lighting fires on pine plantations could face legal action as the company calls for greater public responsibility in preventing forest fires.
FPL appealed to landowners, farmers, motorists and the general public to take precautions to protect pine plantations across the country.
The company warned that forest fires could destroy years of plantation growth within hours, threatening livelihoods and causing extensive environmental damage.
“Forest plantations belong to all of us, and we must join hands to protect them,” an FPL spokesperson said.
“Preventing a fire is far easier and far less costly than fighting one. We ask everyone to be responsible, to look out for one another, and to help us safeguard these assets for our landowners, our communities, and future generations.”
FPL urged members of the public to refrain from lighting fires on or near its leased plantations, including for land clearing, rubbish burning, cooking and hunting.
Motorists have also been warned against throwing cigarette butts from vehicles or discarding them along roadsides, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
The company said even a single cigarette butt could ignite a fire and cause significant destruction.
FPL stressed that deliberately lighting fires on plantations, whether owned by the company, landowners or other growers, must be avoided.
It said pine plantations were important national assets supporting employment, landowner income and surrounding communities.
Apart from economic losses, forest fires could damage water catchments, wildlife habitats and the wider environment.
Members of the public have been urged to immediately report any signs of fire or smoke to the nearest FPL office, Fiji Police or the National Fire Authority.
FPL warned that anyone found deliberately starting plantation fires could face action under Fiji’s laws.
The company also thanked landowners, communities and partner agencies for their continued cooperation in protecting the country’s pine resources.
