The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) issued a stern warning against burning household waste after a grassfire broke out at a private lot by the road in Barangay City Heights, General Santos City.

The fire, accompanied by thick smoke, grew rapidly as it reached piles of trash and tires mixed with grass on Monday, December 8, 2025.

Because of the incident, residents nearby and motorists were alarmed.

Later, police and personnel of the Bureau of the Fire Protection (BFP) GenSan responded. The fire was put out after a few minutes.

Authorities suspect that internet cables and power lines may have been affected.

“Yes, usually pag ang atuang sunog close na siya sa area sa mga poste sa atuang kuryente or telephone wire, usually, madamay ang telephone post  or electric post nga anaa sa palibot,” BFP GenSan Spokesperson, SFO1 Lester John Muñez, said.

According to the property caretaker, he was burning leaves and trash at that time as part of his routine cleanup when the grassfire broke out.

“Primero gamay lang siya pero diya duol sa unahan murag pila na na murag 5 years nga wala nasunog naipon. Naipon siya mao na na ang epekto karun,” property caretaker, Robertson Taclob, said.

BFP reminded the public that burning household waste is prohibited, not only because it poses fire hazard but also because violators can face penalties.

“Actually ginabawal ng pagsunog sa mga sagbut sa atung City Environment and Natural Resources Office or CENRO, sila ang naga-enforce ug maghatag og fine sa madakpan nga magsunog…ma-forward sa barangay para mahatagan og fine ang household,” Taclob added.