Pine trees that were destroyed in a fire in Drasa, Lautoka last Thursday were worth a quarter of a million dollars.
Fiji Pine Executive Chairman Faiz Khan said at least 45 thousand pine trees were destroyed in the fire.
It is alleged that while a farmer was burning his sugar cane the fire spread to the pine trees.
The farmer was questioned and released.
Meanwhile, access into Fiji Pine leased areas will now be restricted following an increase in the number of pine fires being reported in the Western division.
Story by: Filipe Naikaso and Gwen Mc Goon
