The Ministry of Environment, Climate, Energy and Natural Resources (MECENR) wishes to express its solidarity with the residents of Praslin Island following yesterday’s forest fire. Despite the tireless efforts of the Ministry and its partners, a large area of dense palm forest of Fond Azore to Glacis Noir National Park have been affected by the blaze.
The Ministry, in collaboration with it’s partner agencies including the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), as well as non-governmental organisations and other partners, will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. Further to this, we are committed to ensure that corrective actions are taken to promote rehabilitation of the affected sites.
The Ministry would also like to reiterate that a complete ban on open fires remains in force on Praslin Island due to the prolonged dry conditions experienced over recent months. This restriction also applies to other islands. Under the Lighting of Fires (Restriction) Act, 2019, any person who lights or authorises an open fire without a valid permit, or who lights a fire during an active fire ban, commits an offence and may, upon conviction, face fines ranging from SCR5,000 to SCR500,000 and/or imprisonment of up to five years.
We extend our sincere appreciation to all firefighters, volunteers, and partners who assisted in responding to this incident.
ENDS…