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LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte — A forest fire razed a portion of a mountain range at the scenic Solsona-Apayao road in Ilocos Norte province on Saturday, Feb. 25, authorities said on Sunday, Feb. 26.
In an initial report, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded the fire to have started at around 6:55 p.m.
Fire alarm level three was raised by authorities, prompting fire fighters from nearby towns to respond to help in dousing the blaze, according to the Solsona local government in a statement.
BFP said that the “strong and variable direction wind” drove the rapid spread of the fire, with flames raging to over “more or less 10 hectares of the mountainous part” near the Solsona viewdeck.
It was also “aggravated by the existence of dried cogon grass and pine trees,” added BFP, adding that they tried to stop the fire from spreading to “the other side of the mountains.”
As per latest assessment on Sunday noon, the fire has been within “controlled level” but the area remains to be under monitoring by authorities due to lingering smoke, and that the strong northeast wind may trigger flames.
The BFP said that there have been no casualties or injuries reported so far.
On Sunday, Ilocos Norte Gov. Matthew Marcos Manotoc convened an emergency meeting with Solsona local government, the provincial resiliency office, Philippine Air Force, BFP, 505th Search and Rescue Group, and Philippine National Police to contain the fire, according to Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara.
The local government also ordered the temporary closure of the viewdeck.
The cause of the fire was still being investigated.
Solsona-Apayao road is a popular destination for its bike and hike trails, and to tourists for its scenic view of the mountain’s lush greenery. – JOHN MICHAEL MUGAS INQ