Surging Forest and Structural Fires in Baguio - Cordillera

Forest and Structural Fires Hits Baguio - Cordillera

Baguio Forest fire

Forest fires often occur in vast vegetation, which makes it difficult to control and extinguish. It usually starts due to the surface or ground's heat and combustion, resulting in uncontrollable fire. These fires may begin from natural and human-induced causes, like lightning, electric sparks, or cigarettes. Recently, there have been surging forest and structural fires in Baguio and other parts of the Cordillera region. These fire incidents led the Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC) to call for community unity in implementing measures to help prevent forest fires.
 
According to Albert A. Mongol, the Office of Civil Defense regional director and CRDRRMC chairperson, forest lands are significant for the community and future generations. Hence, unified, proactive, and community-based measures are necessary to fight forest fires throughout the Cordillera region. The organization states that the concerned stakeholders in the community should collaborate to prevent fire incidents to ease the needed efforts for the ordinary members of society. Mongol also stressed that local support is vital in empowering and educating communities to counteract incidents of forest fires that started surging.
 
 
As per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) incident report for January 2024, about 680.07 hectares were affected by forest fire incidents in different areas in Cordillera, including 65.35 hectares of forest plantation. In two months of 2024, the Cordillera Administrative Region recorded 41 forest fires and 14 structural fire incidents. These incidents alarmed the authorities, including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Police Regional Office-Cordillera (PROCOR), local government units, and health officials, promoting intensified public awareness and preparedness within the community.
 
Based on the data given by PROCOR, there were fire incidents throughout the region. From January 1 to February 27, Baguio recorded 16 forest fire incidents and 13 in Benguet. Mountain Province also had 11 forest fire incidents, while Apayao recorded 1. Aside from that, structural fires occurred in various areas, including Abra, Baguio, Benguet, Ifugao, and Mountain Province. However, Benguet recorded the highest fire incidents, damaging 623.73 hectares of land. Meanwhile, the damages in Abra reached 49.44 hectares and 6.9 hectares in Mountain Province.
 
That’s why BFP Cordillera strengthened fire prevention and control measures. The Philippine Air Force (AFP) also lend a helping hand to the municipalities of Tuba and Baguio City by dispatching a Huey helicopter to extinguish the forest fire at Mount Sto. Tomas. In February, Mount Sto. Tomas was hit twice by forest fires. Major forest fires also transpired in Camp 6 and fan out to the Philippine Military Academy forest reservation, destroying pine forests of about 25 hectares. In addition, Baguio did not experience significant rainfall in a month.
 
Strong winds also caused the fire to spread faster, while the ashes covered the city's central business district. Therefore, the CRDRRMC issued Memorandum No. 18 series of 2024, instructing members of DRRM councils and all concerned agencies to administer and impose forest fire management measures. In the said memorandum, CRDRRMC proclaims that all forests susceptible to natural or human-induced fire causes should undergo proper evaluation, inspection, and surveillance.
 
The memorandum also states that concerned stakeholders should ensure the implementation of mitigation and interventions to prevent fire incidents. Furthermore, CRDRRMC reiterates the strict implementation of Republic Act  No. 9003, titled the "Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000." This act prohibits burning trash in the open. Establishments should also install fire breaks, lanes, and other similar features that help prevent fire.