• CHERYL G. CRUZ
The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging barangays to conduct immediate and regular clearing of dry grass and combustible materials in vacant lots and residential subdivisions in their respective areas, as the Bureau of Fire Protection logged 109 grassfires, as of April 29.
“There has been an alarming increase in grassfire incidents in Bacolod…majority of these preventable, stemming primarily from improperly-discarded cigarette butts, unattended controlled burning in subdivisions, and the illegal open burning of garbage or dry leaves,” Councilor Em Ang said in her resolution approved by the SP April 29.
Barangay officials and the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office should strictly implement and penalize violations against the open burning of garbage, dry grass, and agricultural waste, in accordance with Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Ang said.
There is also a need to launch a massive, city-wide information and education campaign on fire prevention, with emphasis on the safe disposal of cigarettes and the dangers of unattended rubbish fires, she added.
“Bacolod is currently experiencing extreme heat, severely drying out vegetation and open lands, making them highly susceptible to rapid ignition and posing a serious threat to nearby residential areas,” the resolution stressed.
City fire marshal, F/Supt. Jenny Mae Masip, earlier said that grassfires increase significantly during the summer season. “At this time of the year, vegetation and open lands become extremely dry, making them highly-vulnerable to ignition. Many incidents stem from improperly discarded cigarette butts, while others arise from unattended controlled burning activities in subdivisions—some of which spread rapidly due to sudden strong winds.”
Masip, during the recent City Management Coordinating Committee meeting, called on landowners and developers to clear dry and dense vegetation that can trigger fires. “We are urging all landowners and developers nga hagbasan and maintain ang mga lote nga taas na ang hilamon kag cogon.”
The meeting also tackled intensified fire prevention strategies, particularly in fire-prone and open areas, and the need for stronger community awareness and enforcement measures, the Bacolod BFP said. | CGC
