Family outing in Pampanga disrupted by grass fire

A grass fire disrupted a family's outing at a resort in Bacolor, Pampanga earlier this week.

According to Kuya Kim Atienza's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, Rizza Lyn Ver and her family were enjoying a pool day on May 23 when the fire erupted at around 9:30 a.m.

Rizza shared that her kids were swimming when they noticed that the weather turned gloomy due to the smoke.

"Malaki na po talaga siya. May nahuhulog po na mga debris ng damo, kaya medyo umiitim na 'yung pool," Rizza said. "Nakaka-suffocate na siya."

The family, coughing and tearing up from the smoke, quickly fled.

Firefighters extinguished the grass fire, which spread from 800 to 1,000 square meters. No one got hurt and nothing was damaged, according to Barangay Cabalantian Captain Alvin Tiongdon.

The report said that one of the causes behind grass fires is extremely hot weather.

"Tuwing taginit, medyo dry ang hangin at matagal nang walang ulan, kaya nagiging sobrang tuyo lahat ng damo at mga halaman," safety officer Jhune Tolentinto said.

He added that even a small flame from a lit cigarette or a flame that was not put out properly is enough to cause a grass fire.

A grass fire spreads quickly and is very dangerous because of its high heat and thick smoke, Jhune said. Nearby homes and plants may be affected.

"Nakakasama rin sa kalusugan. Minsan bigla nalang lumalawak kasi tinatangay ng hangin 'yung apoy papunta sa malalayong lugar," Jhune said. "Ang pinakamalaking panganib ay 'yung ma-trap or maipit sa gitna."

In the case of grass fires, call the fire authorities, cover the face with a mask or cloth, close the doors and windows, and remove items that can easily catch fire.

"Umalis tayo agad palayo sa direksyon ng usok at apoy, at pumunta sa mas mataas o ligtas na lugar kung pababa ang usok. Huwag kayong tatawid o susunod doon," Jhune said. —Nika Roque/MGP/JCB, GMA News