Strong South Easterly winds and drought caused by prolong El-Nino has caused widespread wildfires in West New Britain Province in recent times.

People in KandrianGlosta, Talasia and Nakanai Districts have been very badly affected by this El-Nino, as most gardens and creeks run and every vegetable dries up and becomes fire hazard.  

Oil Palms in Bialla, Hoskins and other different Local Level Government areas have been destroyed by wildfires.

West New Britain Provincial Disaster Coordinator Mr. Herman Volele described the impact of the fire destruction on the oil palms blocks as very devastated

Mr. Volele added that due to the strong winds, fire flakes from other burnt-out palms are being carried by wind to another oil palm block, triggering fire in just seconds and in minutes, it spreads to almost all oil palms.

“Oil Palms are the livelihood of every family in West New Britain and to lose most oil palm blocks to fire is a very sad situation for those families and block owners.”

“Because of the strong wind surges, containing fire is hard, when fire flakes or heat or ashes are blown by the strong winds, it automatically ignites anything flammable in its way”.

Mr. Volele said the Provincial Disaster office has carried out awareness and has instructed everyone to remember to pour water on the fire after cooking, and when visiting their gardens, or if any fire is made anywhere, must be properly put out with water, this is to stop any possible fire destructions.

“Everyone is also reminded to not make fire unnecessarily because with the current heat wave and the strong winds, fire is our major concern because it can cause the biggest disaster especially in this current weather condition.”

Mr. Volele also highlighted that seven (7) family houses were also burnt down to ashes last month, August 21st, 2026, including almost 50 Oil palms and gardens leaving almost 40 families homeless in a village in Hoskins.

“We have done full assessment of the fire disaster, and the Provincial Disaster Office gave about K10,000 worth of food rations and water supplies to the affected, including 14 big canvases to use for makeshift shelter.”

Mr. Volele further highlighted that the month of July, August, and September are the hottest months, causing so many risks on the lives of people living on the islands, including mainland Kimbe.

“Wildfire is very dangerous and all are reminded to stop making unnecessary fire, unless it is intended for cooking food but it must be put out completely after cooking, and during the night all fire must be put out completely with water as we want to avoid loss of lives, properties, homes, gardens and oil palms.”