SCORCHED. An open field in Coron, Palawan is seen in the aftermath of a grassfire on Tuesday (April 16, 2024). Coron, Abrolan, and Puerto Princesa have been singled out in PAGASA's “Highest Heat Index" as the three areas in the province where heat would rise to dangerous levels. (Photo courtesy of Bureau of Fire Protection-Mimaropa)
PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – Local authorities continue to monitor open fields in Barangay San Rafael in this city after a bushfire of unknown origin laid waste to about 60 hectares of land on Wednesday and is reportedly still smoldering.
Barangay Captain Ronald Macola said on Thursday that the grassfire began shortly after noontime from somewhere in Sitio Dakuton and quickly spread, engulfing several private properties.
As of Wednesday evening, the fire was thought to have subsided, but Macola said that there are indications that the fire may be reigniting.
“The fire began around 12:45 p.m. (Wednesday) and as of around 9 p.m. it seemed to be on its way out. However, it now seems that it might light up again. Our tanod (village watchmen) are on the scene to monitor developments, and to make sure there are people present to douse the flames in case the fire starts getting bigger again,” the barangay official said in Filipino.
So far, no casualties or significant property damage was reported as a result of the bushfire.
Macola said the fire scorched mostly open fields of cogon grass (Imperata cylindrical) and other fast-burning vegetation.
Locals are attributing the grassfires to the intense heat being experienced in several parts of the province.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), through its “Highest Heat Index” advisory, warned on Thursday that temperatures in Puerto Princesa would hit 42 degrees Celsius, and up to 44 degrees Celsius in Aborlan town.
PAGASA also predicted that temperatures in the two areas may rise to about 45 degrees Celsius by Saturday.
Puerto Princesa, Aborlan, and Coron have been singled out in PAGASA's “Highest Heat Index" as the three jurisdictions in the province where heat will rise to potentially dangerous levels.
The Bureau of Fire Protection-Mimaropa also reported grassfires in Coron town on Tuesday.
The weather bureau defines the heat index as a measure that takes into account air temperature and relative humidity to determine the level of discomfort experienced by the human body. (PNA)
