The Fire Service in Samoa has warned the public against burning bushland following a fire which threatened forests in the Asau area in Savaii.
It suspects gardeners clearing land for plantations may have started the fire.
The Service was able to put out the blaze before it spread to the villages of Tufutafoe and Asau.
After the Savaii fire, the Fire Service took to the airwaves advising the public against lighting bush fires as a way to clear land.
Village mayors have been urged to ban such practices for farming and to report anyone defying the order.
The Police Ministry is also reminding the public that anyone found starting bushfires will be charged.
Samoa is experiencing a spell of dry, rainless weather which has dried out water supplies in several villages of Savaii and Upolu.
Some villages near Apia are rationing water.
