Overview:
Three major fires threatened homes and tested Palau’s firefighters this week as El Niño conditions and drought increase wildfire risks across Babeldaob. With the burn ban still in effect, officials are urging residents to avoid open burning. How concerned should the public be about the growing fire risk?
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
KOROR, Palau (Aug. 20, 2026) — “Refrain from burning,” the Division of Fire and Rescue urged the public this week as firefighters responded to several fires across Babeldaob, including three major blazes that threatened homes amid ongoing El Niño conditions and drought.
The division responded to numerous fire reports last week and this week, with firefighters called to major incidents in Aimeliik, Ngeremlengui, Ngerikiil and near Ngardok, according to division briefing reports.
The first major fire was reported at about 7:56 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the national dumpsite in Aimeliik. Two firefighters initially responded and found that the fire had penetrated deep into the waste pile.
Because the fire was expected to require an extended suppression effort, three off-duty firefighters were called in to assist. An excavator was used to turn and separate the waste, exposing burning areas beneath the surface.
Firefighters used about 17,000 gallons of water to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control at about 4:30 a.m. Sunday.
The second major fire was reported Monday, Aug. 17, in the Ngeremlengui savanna, known as Ked, beside the road leading into town.
Firefighters responding to the area discovered that the blaze was burning near the home of Ngeremlengui High Chief Ngirturong. Crews extinguished the portion of the fire advancing toward the house, while another section continued burning farther into the forest.
Firefighters did not pursue the remaining fire that night because limited lighting equipment made the conditions hazardous. Crews returned the following day to assess the area and found that the fire had already gone out.
A third major fire was reported at about 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, in Ngerikiil. Firefighters determined that additional trucks and personnel were needed because several homes were at risk.
Off-duty firefighters were called in to assist, and the fire was completely extinguished at about 9 p.m.
While crews were responding to the Ngerikiil fire, another fire was reported near Ngardok. After the Ngerikiil blaze was extinguished, a fire truck and personnel responded to the Ngardok area.
Firefighters determined that the Ngardok fire was burning deep inside the forest and that there was no accessible route to the blaze. After assessing the situation, personnel determined that the fire posed no immediate threat to nearby property and returned to the station.
The Division of Fire and Rescue thanked Sgt. Virginia Umayam, Dr. Mekoll and his wife, and Dilklumch David for donating food and drinks to support firefighters during their responses.
The division also reminded residents that starting an open fire without a permit is illegal. Officials said the burn ban announced by the Environmental Quality Protection Board on April 23 remains in effect.
With Palau experiencing El Niño conditions and drought, the Division of Fire and Rescue is urging residents to avoid open burning and help reduce the risk of wildfires.