ILOILO – The Iloilo Provincial Government has warned of an increased threat of forest fires as extreme heat and dry conditions associated with El Niño turn vegetation into highly flammable material, prompting authorities to urge residents, farmers and hikers to refrain from open burning.
Forester Mitzi S. Peñaflorida, supervising environmental management specialist of the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), said dried leaves, grasses and other vegetation could easily ignite from a single spark, potentially triggering fast-spreading fires in both upland and lowland communities.
The warning comes amid concerns that prolonged dry conditions could make forest fires more difficult to contain, particularly in mountainous areas inaccessible to fire trucks and firefighting equipment.
“Once nga may mag-spark, dasig na ang pagdalagan sang kalayo. Kon puede pa lang nga likawan lang anay ang panutod sa aton upland areas, and even diri man sa lowlands, sa aton households,” Peñaflorida said.
She particularly cautioned hikers against leaving burning embers from cooking fires, campfires and bonfires in mountainous areas, warning that even small, unattended flames could ignite surrounding vegetation.
“Please be responsible man tani nga once magsaka sa babaw sang bukid, ‘di ba usually nagaluto sila sa babaw. Please make sure nga mapatay gid ang mga baga, ubuson gid nila fire-off para at least malikawan ang sunog,” she added.
Peñaflorida explained that forest fires pose serious challenges to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), as fire trucks and hoses cannot easily reach remote mountainous locations.
Compounding the danger is the anticipated depletion of water sources due to El Niño, which could further hamper firefighting operations.
Farmers, particularly corn growers, were also advised to avoid burning agricultural residues after harvest, as flames could spread beyond cultivated fields and reach nearby forests.
As an additional precaution, Peñaflorida urged farmers to establish buffer zones measuring five to 10 meters between agricultural lands and forested areas to help prevent fires from spreading.
The warning follows forest fire incidents recorded last year by PGENRO and the BFP in the municipalities of Igbaras, Tubungan and Anilao.
Peñaflorida also called on local government units, particularly those overseeing popular hiking destinations, to intensify fire prevention reminders and discourage visitors from lighting open fires or carelessly discarding cigarette butts.
Hikers were likewise reminded to bring down everything they carry into the mountains, including their garbage, to help protect forest ecosystems.
Residents who discover fires were urged to immediately contact the BFP or other emergency authorities rather than panic./PN
