Photo courtesy of PNA
BACOLOD CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) urged residents to take precautions against grass fires as extreme heat led to a spike in incidents over the past two weeks.
Records from the Bacolod City Fire Station showed dozens of grass fires and several rubbish fires from April 1 to 14, reflecting a sharp increase in cases during the period.
Authorities advised the public to avoid burning trash or dried leaves, noting that open burning remains a primary cause of grass fires.
Smokers were also reminded to properly dispose of cigarette butts to prevent accidental ignition in dry areas.
The fire bureau further urged residents to keep matches and lighters away from grassy spaces and to regularly clear dry vegetation and debris around their homes.
Recent incidents included a grass fire in Barangay Alijis on Wednesday afternoon and another in the Reclamation Area a day earlier.
A separate fire along the boundary of Bacolod City and Talisay City sent thick smoke toward Barangay Banago, forcing the temporary evacuation of several residents from a nearby shelter. They were allowed to return once conditions improved.
Investigators said one of the fires was traced to unattended burning of rubbish. Weather data showed the heat index in Negros Occidental reaching dangerous levels, contributing to the increased fire risk.
