A fire has destroyed almost 760 hectares of oil palm blocks at Lolokoru Estate in Talasea, West New Britain.

The affected area is Division Two of the NBPOL group of plantations at Bulu Point.

Assistant Manager of Lolokoru Division Two, Steven Frank, said the fire is believed to have started from nearby bushes after locals made fires in the village oil palm blocks.

He said the current dry conditions, worsened by the El Niño weather pattern, and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly through the mountain and into the estate’s palm blocks.

Frank said the damage could have long-term impacts on local growers and the company, particularly with the current fresh fruit bunch mill-gate price at around K939 per tonne.

He is calling on authorities to equip districts with water trucks and tanks that can supply communities and assist in responding to fires.

Frank also wants police to conduct awareness in communities about the long-term damage caused by uncontrolled fires.

He is further calling for government support with food supplies and better coordination and distribution to wards affected by the ongoing dry conditions brought on by El Niño.

Frank said improved water and sanitation plans are also needed across wards in the Talasea area to help protect communities from health problems linked to the dry spell.