Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection in Benguet have attended to two forest fires last week in Tuba, this month when authorities are raising awareness against fire prevention in observance of the Fire Prevention Month.
The first forest fire was recorded on March 10 at 7:36 a.m. which occurred along the Badiwan area.
Tuba Fire Station Senior Fire Officer 3 Reynaldo Pagnas said four fire trucks were dispatched to the area, along with personnel from the Baguio City Fire Department which also received a report about the fire.
The fire was put out immediately, with its cause suspected to be due to kaingin.
Another forest fire, which was visible from other parts of the city, was reported at 7:19 p.m. of March 11 and was traced to Sitio Mexico, Camp 4 in Tuba.
Pagnas said they also responded to the report but failed to put the fire out since the fire scene is inaccessible.
He said they have been monitoring the burning area and have been checking if it will spread further and reach the residential areas.
As of March 13, the fire was still ongoing but has subsided.
Pagnas added they are coordinating with nearby barangays for possible intervention in case the forest fire further spreads. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
April 20, 2024
