GRASSFIRE. Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection and the local government unit (LGU) of Camalig inspect the cogon area in Barangay Tumpa of the town in Albay province that was hit by a grassfire on Tuesday (May 7, 2024). Tim Florece, Camalig LGU spokesperson, said the grassfire was caused by extreme heat being experienced in the area. (Photo courtesy of LGU-Camalig)
LEGAZPI CITY – The local government unit (LGU) of Camalig in Albay, together with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), reported on Wednesday that a grassfire started on Tuesday afternoon on the lower part of Mayon Volcano amid the prolonged heat and lack of rain.
In an interview, Tim Florece, Camalig information office chief, said the grassfire started at around 5 p.m. in an isolated and uninhabited area in the upper part of Barangay Tumpacogon, and stopped on its own at 2:10 a.m. Wednesday.
"No casualties or damage to properties were reported due to the grassfire," he said.
Florece said personnel from the Camalig Fire Station and Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) were dispatched at 6:15 p.m. to manage the grassfire and monitor the situation.
He said the area is located between the seven-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) and the 6-km. PDZ of the volcano, roughly 5 km. from the nearest residential community.
Florece said it was the second grassfire recorded by their office so far this month.
"The first grassfire incident was two days ago in Barangay Sua which was promptly stopped by the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (BDRRMC) because the area was reachable," he added.
Florece said that for emergency assistance or inquiries, residents can contact the following 24/7 hotlines:
• Camalig Command Center: 09202340738
• Camalig Fire Station: 09178098823, 09992265345
• MDRRMO/MDRRMO-MRETU: 09279744966, 09630074854
• Municipal Health Office (MHO): 09097442937, 09701169393
• Camalig Municipal Police Station: 09985985940
• Public Information Office: 09054233872
Florece said the public is advised to remain vigilant and to maintain communication with LGU-Camalig and other local authorities. (PNA)
