A fire once again broke out at a waste site in Dagupan City, this time, at a dumpsite in Barangay Bonuan Boquig, leaving the area blanketed in thick smoke a day after it was declared under control by authorities.

According to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), the fire started midday on February 27 and spread quickly due to strong winds and hot weather.

Firefighters worked for nearly 12 hours before managing to contain the flames.

However, some areas continue to emit smoke due to lingering embers, as of this writing.

“Ngayon, naka-standby pa rin ang ating firetruck kasi may mga maliliit na areas na may usok-usok. Pero, under control naman na ang sunog doon,” City Fire Marshal FCINSP Michael John Escaño of BFP-Dagupan City said.

Authorities suspect that the fire was not a natural occurrence but was caused by human activity.

“Kasi may mga kababayan tayo doon na nangangalakal, ang isa sa practice nila doon kapag may nakakalakal sila na electric wire, para makuha nila ‘yung gansa kung tawagin sa Pangasinan, o ‘yung copper wire ay susunugin nila ang insulator,” Escaño explained.

Residents near the dumpsite were advised to take precautions against the thick smoke, which could pose health risks.

“Sa mga nakapaligid doon, magsuot muna ng face mask,” Barangay Chairman Joseph Maramba of Bonuan Boquig said.

Some residents have opted to stay indoors to protect their children from exposure to smoke.

“Pumapasok kami sa loob ng bahay kasi kawawa ang mga bata,” Abigail Enriquez, a resident, said.

The BFP and the local government continue to monitor the situation.

A fire earlier broke out at the waste transfer facility in Barangay Bonuan Gueset. It lasted nearly two hours and burned around 100 square meters of piled garbage.

Authorities said scavengers might have caused the fire, who often burn wire insulation to extract and sell the metal inside.