Political Arson Seen in Fiji Forest Fires
The island nation of Fiji has suffered its worst forest fire in 20 years, and politically motivated arsonists are suspected of starting it, forestry officials said Friday.
The fire in the west of Fiji’s main island, Viti Levu, was brought under control after burning 12,000 acres and destroying 5 million pine trees since it began Sunday night. Pine timber is one of Fiji’s main industries.
Fiji Pine Commission Information Officer Jag Sharma said the island had been hit by a series of fires since May 14, when a military coup ousted a newly elected government.
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