THE Acting Director General of the National Disaster Centre (NDC), Mr. Lusete Laso Mana, has commended the PNG Fire and Rescue Service for its outstanding professionalism, dedication, and courage in successfully containing the bush fire that threatened communities on Lou Island in Manus Province.
Mr. Mana said the deployment demonstrated the critical importance of inter-agency cooperation and highlighted the commitment of emergency responders who worked under challenging conditions to protect lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
“The National Disaster Centre sincerely thanks the PNG Fire and Rescue Service for their commendable efforts on Lou Island. Their professionalism, technical expertise, and willingness to deploy to a remote island environment exemplify the highest standards of public service and disaster response,” Mr. Mana said.
The deployment was described by the PNG Fire and Rescue Service as its first major fire operation in a remote island setting.
The Acting Director General also acknowledged the strong partnership between national agencies and local communities, which played a vital role in the successful containment of the fire. Firefighters worked closely with local villagers, sharing knowledge and developing practical strategies suited to the local terrain and available resources.
This collaborative approach proved instrumental to the operation’s success.
Chief Fire Officer, Mr. Bill Roo, noted that despite limitations in specialized aerial firefighting capability and the challenges associated with responding to large-scale bush fires in remote locations, the Fire and Rescue Service effectively utilized the skills and experience of its personnel. Ground-based firefighting methods, including the construction of firebreaks, were employed to contain and control the fire.
“The successful response on Lou Island is a clear reminder that disaster management is a shared responsibility. No single agency can address major emergencies alone. Strong partnerships between government agencies, provincial authorities, communities, and development partners remain essential to effective disaster preparedness and response,” Mr. Roo said.
He went on further to express his sincere gratitude to the National Disaster Centre for providing critical logistical support that made the deployment possible.
The NDC further recognizes the increasing pressure being placed on emergency response agencies due to prolonged dry conditions and changing weather patterns, which have contributed to a rise in bush and grass fires across the country.
Mr. Mana encouraged all Papua New Guineans to remain vigilant during the current dry season and to take appropriate precautions to prevent the outbreak and spread of bush fires.