Bushfire destroys gardens and cash crops at Damua Hamlet in South Fly

A bushfire has destroyed backyard gardens, cash crops and fruit trees at Damua Hamlet, Rual Village, in Bituri area of Oriomu-Bituri LLG, South Fly District in Western Province

The fire occurred a week ago on Saturday 3rd October 2026 and nearly burnt the entire hamlet to ashes.

According to the community, the cause of the fire and the identity of the person who started it remains a unknown at this time.

The fire burnt and destroyed backyard gardens including betelnut and pineapple which were about to ripen. Cash crops destroyed include matured vanilla which was expected to be harvested as early as December, matured eaglewood trees, newly introduced balsa trees, rambutan fruit trees, other local fruit trees and coconut trees which bring income for families.

A new building under construction was also burnt.

Fortunately, there were no casualties as the village was empty at the time. Most villagers had gone out in the morning in search of food.

Community leader, Nike Buwago is now appealing to the District Disaster Office for financial assistance of K15,000 for rehabilitation of backyard gardens and vanilla vines.

NBC news has reached out to the South Fly District Disaster Office in Daru for comment on the appeal and is awaiting a response.