In Mont-Dore, a forest fire out of control since January 1 led, this Thursday, January 2, to the activation of the ORSEC level 2 plan. In Païta, a fire which broke out this afternoon , near Tontouta was contained after destroying ten hectares of vegetation. Emergency services remain mobilized in the face of these disasters.
A major forest fire in Mont-Dore led to the activation of the ORSEC level 2 plan, while a second fire, in Païta, was contained after destroying ten hectares of vegetation. The mobilization of firefighters continues in the face of these high risks in the middle of the dry season.
Since January 1, a particularly worrying forest fire has ravaged the town of Mont-Dore, in the Prony region, near the South factory. The fire, which broke out late yesterday afternoon at 4:30 p.m., has already destroyed more than 200 hectares, according to a provisional report established by the firefighters. The flames are spreading towards the Blue River, fueling concern among the authorities.
In Mont-Dore, the forest fire which broke out in Prony on January 1, required the activation of the ORSEC level 2 plan this Thursday, January 2, 2025.
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©Christian Favennec / NC the 1st
Faced with the scale of the situation, the president of the government, at the request of the mayor of the commune, activated the level 2 ORSEC Forest Fire (FDF) system. Significant resources were deployed: municipal teams, reinforcements of civil security, and national resources. A water bomber helicopter also intervened to try to control the fire.
-Despite the joint efforts of around ten firefighters mobilized with four vehicles, the fire continued to progress, and the firefighters’ action was complicated by unfavorable weather conditions. Control operations should continue at least until January 3 using the same system.
In Païta, a second fire broke out this Thursday, January 2 in the early afternoon, around 2 p.m., near the entrance to the Manto quay, south of Tontouta. The fire apparently started at the side of the road.
In the space of a few hours, around ten hectares of vegetation were destroyed. However, thanks to the rapid intervention of local firefighters, equipped with five engines and supported by around fifteen men, the fire was contained. Security operations are in progress.
These fires come at a time when New Caledonia is currently at high to very high risk of forest fires, particularly in the municipalities of Mont-Dore and Païta. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds and dry vegetation favors the rapid spread of flames.
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©Meteo France New Caledonia
The authorities are calling for vigilance and recalling strict instructions regarding activities likely to cause a fire.
