LAOAG CITY – In the wake of the series of wildfires damaging Ilocos Norte’s forestland, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is urging the public to be responsible and do their share in fire prevention.
BFP data show that of the nine recorded forest and grass fires in the first two months this year, the top causes were attributed to hunting wild boar and collecting wild honey.
Last year, over 20 similar incidents were recorded, causing millions of damage to Ilocos Norte’s National Greening Programs in various parts of the province.
Thus, BFP provincial director F/Supt. Roxanne Annie Parado called on hunters of wild boar and gatherers of wild honey to be responsible by ensuring that they do not discard lit cigarettes or put out debris fires after getting what they want in the forest.
“Fire prevention is a community effort and not just for firefighters. All of us must be responsible for our actions,” Parado said in a Zoom conference 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)
