Firefighters in New Caledonia are trying to establish what caused the huge bushfires which have ravaged the south of the main island.
Photo: 123RF
A total of three fires erupted south of Noumea, with one near Mont-Dore destroying about 700 hectares of vegetation.
The fires' intensity forced dozens of people to leave their homes as a precaution.
A retirement home with its 70 residents was also evacuated.
At one stage the blaze threatened a mining site where 20,000 litres of fuel are being stored.
Traffic has been affected and a main road has been closed.
