19 Aug 2016

New Caledonia works to contain massive bushfire

7:49 pm on 19 August 2016

Authorities in New Caledonia say a large bushfire in the territory's north is being brought under control, but strong winds and unfavourable weather conditions have made it difficult.

The civil security department says two helicopters have spent the day fighting the blaze on Art Island, in Belep, which is covering about 950 hectares.

The fire has caused power and communications outages in the area, and it could be a few days before these are restored.

The government says fire fighters are working to stop it spreading into sensitive bush.

It says they are keeping an eye on a number of hotspots, but rain forecast for tomorrow should help ease the fire.