By Leilanie Adriano
In the aftermath of a string of wildfires wreaking havoc on the forestlands of Ilocos Norte, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Laoag City is emphasizing the importance of public responsibility in fire prevention.
According to BFP data, nine forest and grass fires were recorded in the first two months of this year, with the primary causes linked to the activities of hunting wild boar and collecting wild honey.
In the previous year, more than 20 similar incidents were documented, resulting in millions of pesos in damages to Ilocos Norte’s National Greening Programs across different areas of the province.
In response, F/Supt. Roxanne Annie Parado, the provincial director of BFP, urged hunters and gatherers to take responsibility by ensuring they do not dispose of lit cigarettes or leave behind debris fires after their forest activities.
“Fire prevention requires collective action from the community, not solely reliant on firefighters. Each individual must be accountable for their actions,” Parado emphasized during a Zoom conference held on Friday.
Parado also reminded the public to be extra careful since wildfires, which are prevalent when normally green vegetation becomes bone dry during dry weather and combine with warm temperatures that result in combustion, can easily spread because of strong winds.
Another top cause of fire incidents is open flame from cooking, she said.
In time for the fire prevention month, which kicked off on Friday, Parado reminded the public to support and take part in the BFP’s campaign to prevent hazardous fires.
She likewise appealed to local government units, particularly in the villages, to be proactive in protecting their constituents’ lives and properties by cooperating with firefighters in all their efforts to educate the public about the prevention and suppression of destructive fires. (PNA)
