Forest fires break out in Quezon, Samar

Aside from the Bicol region, forest fires have now broken out in areas of Quezon province and Eastern Samar, dzBB radio reported Monday.

In Quezon province, a fire broke out at the Quezon National Park, affecting some 30 hectares that were inaccessible to fire trucks.

In Eastern Samar, a fire hit Manicani Island, with local authorities unable to do anything but hope for rain as there were no firefighters available to them.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources speculated that these new fires could have been causes by kaingin, GMA 7's "Unang Balita" reported.

Meanwhile, the Bicol region continued to suffer from bush fires. The slopes of Mayon Volcano in Albay billowed smoke from the flames, and fires hit 30 hectares Mount Isarog in Camarines Sur.

The DENR said the fires were caused by a combination warm weather and strong winds. "Pagka ganito, masyadong mainit ang panahon, tapos may kasama pang hangin, nare-reignite ang ibang areas kaya lalo na may tuyong dahon at branches... kaya madaling sumiklab," explained DENR Region V director Gilbert Gonzales. — Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News