The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in the city is asking the public to cooperate in its effort to prevent uncontrolled fires in grassy areas that could seriously affect surrounding residents.
The call comes after three grass fires were reported in Puerto Princesa City this month.
Fire Officer 1 Joan Walker of the city BFP said Thursday that the grassfires were recorded in Barangays San Jose, Sta. Lourdes, and Sta. Monica.
Walker said they were accidentally caused by residents who were burning dried leaves that got swept by the wind to surrounding grassy areas.
“Sariling disiplina nalang sana. Paalala sa mga kababayan natin, para maiwasan ‘yong mga grassfires, ugaliin natin na linisin ‘yong paligid ng ating mga bahay, lalo kapag madamo na o kugonan [ang area]. At least, ilang metro mula sa bahay, kailangan nating tabasan. Mayroon na rin tayong city ordinance na nagbabawal ng pagsu-sunog, kasi talagang delikado siya. Meron naman tayong trucks na nag-hahakot ng basura. Iwasan na rin ‘yong pagsu-sunog sa hapon na sabing pausok,” Walker said.
(We have to have self-discipline. We are reminding our residents that to avoid grass fires, they have to clean the surroundings of their homes, particularly if grasses are already tall. We have to cut the grass at least a few meters away. We also have a city ordinance now against burning waste materials because it is really dangerous. We have city trucks that collect garbage. Avoid burning dried leaves or anything in late in the afternoon.)
She said grass fires are common in the three barangays.
The BFP regularly conducts information and dissemination campaign in the barangay level to raise the awareness of residents, she said.
She also assured the public that firefighters will be quick to respond to reports of fires.
Records of the BFP showed that six grass fires happened in 2017 and two in 2018.
