Water shortage due to El Niño is one of the challenges the Zamboanga City Fire District (ZCFD) is facing, something that it endeavors to address given an existing problem of lack of equipment.

At this point, the ZCFD said it is relying on water tankers of different private agencies.

It has also coordinated with the Zamboanga City Water District on options for other sources of water should the need arises.

“Aside from water tankers, we have also coordinated with ZCWD regarding, pag-worst case scenario wala ng tubig… they have proposed yung mga production wells. Yung hindi na gingamit, pwede naming gamitin… kailangan pa ng equipment. Pag nagawa yung production well, BFP lang makakagamit nun. According to the water district, hindi mauubusan ng tubig,” ZCFD Chief of Operations, FSInsp. Eldee Grace Punzalan, said.

ZCFD also admitted it lacks certain tools or equipment for putting out grass fires such as shovel, portable tanks, and pumps, at least as of this writing.

They have already requested these equipment from the national headquarters.

From January to February 2024, the number of grass fire incidents in Zamboanga City has reached 35, way higher than the two incidents in the same period in 2023.

It urged residents of the city to exercise caution and care when it comes to the use of fire.

“We urge residents to adhere anti-burning law and exercise caution. The open burning of solid wastes, which includes agricultural waste, has long been prohibited. We have already coordinated with DENR to conduct information dissemination sa barangay level,” Punzalan said.

ZCFD has also beefed up its community engagement to inform the public about grass fires and educate more about the Open Burning Law.