AT LEAST 27 hectares were damaged in a fire incident that occurred along the Akiki trail to Mount Pulag, based on the assessment of rangers from Mount Pulag National Park.

Victor Gorinto, Mount Pulag National Park Protected Area superintendent, said rangers of the Mount Pulag National Park conducted on November 22 a survey on the area.

“A total of 27 hectares were burned, with 864 seedlings died,” he added.

Gorinto said a campfire from hunters is suspected to have caused the forest fire.

A total of P26,437 worth of seedlings where also destroyed in the fire.

In a report by the Police Regional Office-Cordillera, the forest fire occurred in Sitio Tinuping, Eddet, Kabayan.

A caller informed the Bureau of Fire Protection based in Kabayan about the ongoing forest fire, and upon confirmation, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office emergency personnel proceeded to the Akiki trail ranger station.

Responders noticed the fire scene has already spread to different directions. Park rangers told the responders that at least six- to eight-hour hike is needed to reach the area due to lack or no trail leading to the fire scene.