FIRE broke out in Sitio Siningbahan, Barangay Colawin in the southern town of Argao, Cebu, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, affecting almost three hectares of land.
FO3 Michael Rodriguez, fire investigator of the Argao Fire Station, said the fire started at 8:49 a.m., and was placed under control at 10:45 a.m. The fire was declared out at 11:02 a.m.
According to FO2 Edgar Pilosopo, their investigation revealed that somebody was burning something in the area. The embers must have flown and landed on dried-out banana and coconut trees, sparking a fire.
Several grass fires have taken place in Cebu Province, which has been experiencing a drought since last March as a result of the El Niño phenomenon.
Reduced rainfall and soaring temperatures have resulted in dry conditions, especially in the hinterlands.
Last Saturday, April 6, a grass fire burned an area of around 70 hectares in the mountains of the southern town of Oslob, affecting Barangays Poblacion, Cañang, Calumpang and Daanlungsod.
It took firefighters more than six hours to have the fire under control, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection 7.
Also on Saturday, another grass fire was reported in Purok Tambis, Barangay Magcagon in the southern town of Sibonga, affecting a farm.
On Sunday, April 7, a grass fire reportedly struck South Hills in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.
On Tuesday, April 9, a grass fire struck a campsite in Mt. Kan-irag in Barangay Sirao, Cebu City, while a grass fire was reported in Ajoya Subdivision in Lapu-Lapu City. / DVG / TPT, JJL