Grassfire hits Palumbanes Island in Catanduanes

A grassfire has hit 10 hectares of land on Palumbanes Island in Barangay Toytoy, Caramoran, Catanduanes.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the remote location of the island made it challenging for responders to control the blaze promptly.

Investigation into the incident is ongoing but initial reports indicate that the fire has not damaged trees, just yet, as of this writing. 

Local youth groups suspect that the fire may have been caused by land-clearing activities, which are common in the area.

Authorities said the impact of the fire could be severe, potentially affecting migratory birds and causing soil degradation.

The community has filed a formal complaint with the barangay and is calling for increased attention to prevent future incidents of land-clearing fires.

”Magtulungan na lang po lahat siguro kasi wala naman pong mangyayari kung mag-aaway-away, and sa local authorities sana ito na po yung chance na magbigay po tayo ng agarang aksyon,” Rene Sales, Adviser of the Palumbanes Island Community Youth Organization, said.

The BFP advised the public to avoid starting a fire near dry materials that may catch the blaze. 

“Sa publiko po, para maiwasan natin ang ganitong grassfire, una po, iwasan ang pagsunog sa malapit sa tuyong bagay na madaling kapitan ng apoy. Sa ngayon po kasi di ba malakas po ang hangin na isa po sa dahilan upang makapabilis ng kalat ng apoy,” SFO1 Sherwin Magtagñob, Officer-in-Charge at BFP Caramoran, said. —GMA Regional TV