Fires gut Maluku forests

AMBON, Maluku: Fires in three drought-hit subdistricts here have gutted a wide area of forest over the past two weeks, Antara reported yesterday.

Mayor Chris Tanasale said the fires were raging in the villages of Amahusu and Eri in the Nusaniwe subdistrict, Hatiwe Besar and Negeri Lama in the Baguala subdistrict, and Hutumuri and Leahari in the Sirimau subdistrict.

"The ravaged areas are forests producing fruit, cloves, and nutmeg. Numerous species of vegetables are also there," he said.

Tanasale alleged the fires were started by farmers wanting to clear land.

The mayor said he had called on locals to help fight the fires. (aan)