by Tusi Tala, Staff Writer
New Caledonia is currently facing a series of bushfires, particularly in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, leading local firefighters to suspect arson.
Since early September, efforts have been underway to manage multiple fires in the northern area, particularly around the small towns of Koumac, Pouembout, and Kaala-Gomen in the Northern Province.
On Tuesday, local government President Louis Mapou announced a level 2 emergency for the municipalities of Koumac and Kaala-Gomen, where volunteer fire and emergency services continue to battle several ongoing fires.
At least one home has been destroyed, and more than a thousand hectares of forest and brush have already burned along the main provincial road, RT1.
Local media reports indicate that the road has been closed multiple times due to the fires.
