Cordillera Region Battles Over 20 Forest Fires Since New Year

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION – The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) has experienced a significant challenge since the onset of 2024, with over 20 forest fires reported across the region. The situation has escalated with fires affecting areas of the government-run Camp John Hay over the past three days, highlighting the persistent threat of wildfires in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, inspector Janelle Manuel Daniel disclosed in a Tuesday media interview that the province of Benguet has been the hardest hit, recording nine fires. This is closely followed by eight in the Mountain Province and three in Abra. The fires, including those in the villages of Ampucao and Dalupirip in Itogon, Benguet, have persisted for several days, stretching into the first week of February. The primary causes identified for these fires include open flames on farmlands, rubbish burning, cooking-related incidents, and improperly disposed of cigarette butts.

The BFP report further indicated a worrying trend, with 199 non-structural fires recorded in 2023, an increase from 102 in 2022. These incidents encompass grassfires, forest fires, and rubbish fires, marking a concerning rise in fire-related incidents within the region.

Notably, a forest fire near the Voice of America site in the Camp John Hay reservation area erupted early on February 11. The John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC), a subsidiary of the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), announced that the fire was brought under control by 3 p.m. on the same day. However, subsequent fires on the following Monday and Tuesday have put authorities on high alert, with investigations ongoing to determine their causes.

In response to the escalating fire incidents, Fire Senior Superintendent Robert Pacis, BFP-CAR regional director, emphasized the importance of community-level prevention measures during a press conference last week. He highlighted the BFP’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations, including the construction of new fire stations and the procurement of fire trucks and ambulances, as critical steps towards enhancing firefighting capabilities in the region.