11-hour fire gobbles 10 hectares of San Joaquin forest

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Approximately ten hectares of mountainous terrain were engulfed by a forest fire that swept through San Joaquin, Iloilo on the afternoon of February 23.

Senior Fire Officer 1 Ryan Palomo, the arson investigator of San Joaquin, reported that the blaze began in Sitio Bating, Barangay Ginot-an, San Joaquin, around 3 p.m. on Friday.

By approximately 2 a.m. the following day, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – San Joaquin declared that the fire had been contained.

“A significant area of Sitio Lublub was affected by the forest fire,” Palomo noted. The inferno consumed various trees and grasses, but it predominantly ravaged bamboo plants managed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, Palomo suspects it was likely triggered by a carelessly discarded cigarette butt on dry leaves.

“It could have been from passersby or campers or trekkers,” he stated.

The area, known to be frequented by hikers and campers, is in the process of being developed into a tourist destination.

In a related incident, it was reported that the wildfire also damaged a portion of Mount Napulak in the neighboring town of Igbaras.

In response to this devastation, the local government of Igbaras has announced plans to propose to the DENR the reformation or revitalization of the Bantay Gubat, or Forest Rangers, to prevent future incidents.