An extreme fire risk has been declared in six communes on the western coast of New Caledonia's main island.
File photo. Photo: 123RF
Since the middle of September, the territory has seen more than 200 fires which have destroyed 35 square kilometres of vegetation.
The Civil Security organisation has reiterated that a territory-wide fire ban will remain in force until 15 December.
The ban exempts the use of fire for cooking in domestic situations.
New Caledonia regularly suffers drought conditions and experiences extensive bushfires.