The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) reminded the public to prevent incidents of grass fires amid the extreme heat being experienced in the country.
Interviewed during Magandang Umaga Pilipinas on Wednesday, BFP spokesperson Col. Annalee Carbajal Atienza said the grass fire could be avoided if the dried grass, especially near houses, was cleaned.
The advisory was made following the recent fire that occurred at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 on Monday, April 22, which burned at least 19 vehicles.
"Ang nakita natin sa nangyari is directly under the heat of the sun, as we have seen sa mga videos na kumalat plus yung way ng usok, ibig sabihin malakas din yung wind at that time at mabilis siyang nafifeed ng oxygen kaya ganoon 'yung mabilis na pagkalat," explained Atienza.
The BFP spokesperson advised the public to not neglect dry herbs and to give time to clean up the grounds, such as by watering the grass or its proper disposal.
In forest areas, Atienza said kaingin, or clearing operations, are strictly prohibited.
At least 120 municipalities still do not have fire stations and fire trucks. These municipalities, however, have so far not experienced incidents of fire.
"Itong mga area na ito ay island provinces at maliliit na bayan, hindi sa nagiging kampante, pero seldom ang ganiyang mga insidente ng sunog," Atienza said.
"Nakalatag po ngayong taon ang BFP modernization starting this year; priority ang pag-puno sa 120 [municipalities] before the year ends," she furthered.
