A Small Fire Can Burn a Whole Village: Franciscan Priest Cautions Kimbe Residents Amid El Niño Dry Season

Fr. Evance, a Franciscan Capuchin friar in the Diocese of Kimbe, is warning residents to be careful with fire as the El Niño dry season increases the risk of spreading flames. The parish priest of Bitokara St. Theresia of the Child Jesus noted that fires are breaking out frequently, with dry grass and oil palm catching fire rapidly.

Fr. Evance, who also serves as the coordinator for Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for the Capuchins in Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, warned that smoke from these fires is putting public health at risk.