Forest fires broke out in several areas in Benguet province, according to reports.
On its official Facebook page on Thursday, February 22, Benguet Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRMO) said heli bucket operations are being conducted to suppress the ongoing forest fires in:
- Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City
- Mt. Cabuyao in Tuba, Benguet
- Brgy. Dalupirip in Itogon, Benguet
"First fire suppression will be conducted at Mt. Cabuyao, Tuba using Heli bucket operation. The aircraft will collect water from Baguio Water District Reservoir," Benguet PDRRMO said.
According to the Philippine Information Agency Cordillera, a fire that razes Mt. Santo Tomas-Kennon Road in Benguet begun Tuesday, February 20.
Strong winds exacerbate the fire which later spread in the mountainous terrain.
As per Baguio Public Information Office, a forest fire devasted Sitio Leb-ang and part of Tabaan Sur in Tuba town, which urged Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Tuba Mayor Sal-ongan to ask the Philippine Air Force's help for the heli bucket operations.
"The BWD [Baguio Water District] under General Manager Engr. Salvador Royeca immediately authorized drawing of water from its sources to help in the fire fighting efforts," it said.
