- GILBERT P. BAYORAN
About 35 hectares of forest land situated at the Mt.Kanlaon volcano that borders La Castellana in Negros Occidental and Canlaon City, Negros Oriental, were razed by fire that started late Thursday afternoon, March 14, said La Castellana Mayor Alme Rhumyla Nicor Mangilimutan.
Based on initial reports of the Protected Area Superintendent, Mangilimutan said the fire originated at the barren area in upper Pasto of Brgy. Biak Na Bato in La Castellana and spread towards Sitio Mananawin in Brgy. Masulog, Canlaon City.
With the collaborative efforts of the Bureau of Fire Protection, which sent its Special Unit, members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Office of Civil Defense and DRRM personnel of local government units surrounding Mt. Kanlaon, they managed to contain the fire Friday, March 15.
Mangilimutan said the cause of fire is yet to be determined, as of this time, adding that many trees had been destroyed.
The mayor, who went to the Protected Area Superintendent Office in Brgy. Biak Na Bato Thursday night, also said that the BFP fire fighters, personnel from the La Castelllana and DRRM of other local government units, as well as that of Mt. Kanlaon National Park, and volunteers had a hard time containing the fire due to strong winds and summer heat.
The Pasto area, which is planted with trees, was also destroyed by fire before, Mangilimutan recalled.
Alert Level 1 is still hoisted over Kanlaon volcano, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. No entry is being imposed within the4-kilometer radius permanent danger zone.
Despite the restriction, Mangilimutan said they received reports that there are people who continue to defy the order of Phivolcs.
On the other hand, Canlaon City Mayor Jose Cardenas said they have also mobilized the Green Brigade of the city government to help contain the blaze.
Cardenas said that he coordinated with Dennis Peñosa, protected area superintendent (PASU) of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park (MKNP), in the effort to contain the blaze.
“The collaborative efforts of all involved parties aim to swiftly bring the situation under control and minimize the impact on the surrounding area,” he said, in a statement.
Cardenas pointed out the importance of “prompt and coordinated action in addressing emergencies such as this grass fire.”
“The safety and well-being of residents and the preservation of natural resources remain top priorities for the City Government of Canlaon,” Cardenas added. | GB
