Alluvial charcoal in the Sigatoka Valley, Viti Levu Island, Fiji

Charcoal concentrations in alluvial sediments throughout the Sigatoka (and adjacent) catchments, western Viti Levu Island, Fiji were located, sampled and, where possible, dated. The earliest date (5579–5052 cal year BP) almost certainly predates human arrival and represents a natural fire, perhaps associated with drought conditions during an El Niño event. The next three dates are clustered around the time just after initial human arrival in Fiji 2900–2700 cal year BP and could mean that humans transited the area 40 km inland within this time. The next date (1520–1260 cal year BP) is not associated with any other. The final five dates are likewise clustered around the time of the AD 1300 Event, and are believed to mark the time when permanent inland (upland?) settlement was established in this part of Viti Levu.