Pagasa: More fire occurrences in El Niño weather

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Fires are more likely to occur in an El Niño weather.

This is the warning of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in Central Visayas (Pagasa-7) as Cebu is experiencing an abnormally warm weather with reduced rainfall causing drought in many agricultural lands.

Netherlen Saletrero, weather specialist of Pagasa-7,  said the dryness of the air and the humidity can make some areas prone to fire.

“Mas daghan gyud fire occurrences labi na grass fire karong mga panahona,” said Saletrero.

(There will be more fire occurrences, especially grass fires, during this time.)

She said people should monitor the temperature on a daily basis and check grasslands or vacant lots used as garbage dumping areas since these may have combustible materials that can easily spark and spread fire.

Cebu City Fire Marshall Noel Ababon told CDN Digital that at least 11 grass fires were recorded in Cebu City from March 19 to March 24, or a span of one week.

With the hot weather, Ababon said the soil is dry as well as the grass, vegetation and garbage exposed under the sun.  These open spaces are prone to grass fires caused by any small trigger like a lighted cigarette butt accidentally thrown on dry grass.

He said that a common cause of grass fire is the burning of garbage in the household, a violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which prohibits the open burning of solid waste.

He added that violators can be fined up to P1,000 pesos and imprisoned up to 15 days when caught burning solid wastes.

With this situation at hand, Ababon reminded the public to avoid burning garbage in their backyards and be mindful about disposing cigarette butts.

“Kani bayang grass fire, dali kaayo modako unya kung naay duol nga balay, pwede kaayo maangol,” said Ababon.

(Grass fire can quickly spread and become a huge fire. It is dangerous when there are houses in the area.)

During grassfires, Ababon said the priority of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) is to secure the nearest establishment and to contain the fire from spreading.

“Bantay-bantay lang gyud ta sa ato palibot kay init baya kaayo,” said Ababon.

(Let us take extra caution in our surrounding because it is extremely warm.)

Charmaine Rodriguez-Kara, spokesperson of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD), assured the public that despite the low supply, fire hydrants can be accessed when fires break out.

“We provide all access to all our fire hydrants in times of calamity,” she said. / celr