Fiji Pine Limited is appealing to the general public, landowners, farmers, and road users to take every precaution to prevent forest fires, particularly on FPL leased pine plantations across the country.
In a statement, FPL says forest fires can destroy years of growth in a matter of hours.
FPL says forest fires threaten the livelihoods of landowners, communities, and workers who depend on the pine industry, and damage the environment, water catchments, and wildlife.
The company says the plantations are important national assets, owned by the company and the Government of Fiji, and protecting them is the responsibility of every one of us.
They are urging the public to refrain from lighting any fires on or near FPL leased pine plantations, including for clearing land, burning rubbish, cooking, or hunting.
FPL also urges people to never throw cigarette butts from vehicles or discard them on roadsides or in or near plantations.
They say a single cigarette butt can start a fire, especially during dry and windy conditions.
People are also being urged not to deliberately light fires on any plantation, whether owned by FPL, landowners, or other growers.
FPL is also urging people to report any fire or smoke immediately to the nearest FPL office, the Fiji Police, or the National Fire Authority.
A spokesperson for Fiji Pine Limited says forest plantations belong to all of us, and we must join hands to protect them.
The spokesperson says preventing a fire is far easier and far less costly than fighting one.
They are asking everyone to be responsible, to look out for one another, and to help safeguard these assets for landowners, communities, and future generations.
Anyone found deliberately lighting fires on plantations may face action under the relevant laws of Fiji.
