Fires gut Maluku forests

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)