Benguet forest fire on and off since March 8

For nearly two weeks, a forest fire has been raging on and off on Mount Santo Tomas in Tuba town in Benguet province, a firefighter and a resident told GMA News.

 

Some 12.2 hectares of forest have been destroyed as the fire also affected Barangays Badiwan, Cabuyao, Lower Pungayan, Camp 6 and Amliang.

Mount Sto. Tomas is among the tourist attractions of the province, the Benguet provincial government said on its website.

 

Fire Senior Inspector Bernard Likigan admitted the BFP could not fully secure and put out the fire since the areas are inaccessible.

 

Likigan said forest fires are a perennial problem for them during the hot months. He also said many fires are caused by kaingin farmers who clear areas for agriculture.

 

He also cited cases of indiscriminate burning by people or children playing with fire.

 

Farmer Ramona Catalino said the forest fire started at Camp 6 in Tuba, and fears the fire may affect her house and farm. — Joel Locsin/ELR, GMA News