Forest fire hits Mt. Halcon in Mindoro
CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — A forest fire has continued to burn on Mount Halcon in Oriental Mindoro since April 4, as authorities contend with the mountain’s difficult terrain and limited access to the affected areas.
Earlier reports indicated that responders had yet to reach the fire site due to the lack of established trails, hampering containment efforts.
On Tuesday morning, the Oriental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), in coordination with the local government of Baco, conducted an aerial inspection of the fire-affected area in Barangay San Ignacio to assess the extent of the damage and evaluate the mountain’s current condition.
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Authorities used a drone to survey the fire from above, providing a clearer and more comprehensive view of the affected area and enabling responders to better gauge the scope of the blaze.
A preliminary report from the Bureau of Fire Protection in Baco indicated that no residential structures were damaged. Officials also confirmed that the fire remains distant from the homes of indigenous Mangyan communities.
Local authorities said coordination with relevant agencies is ongoing to ensure public safety and provide immediate assistance to affected residents.
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Earlier, Baco Mayor Allan Roldan reported that the incident had been communicated to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with the local government seeking additional support to prevent further spread of the fire.
The cause of the fire has yet to be determined, and efforts to fully assess environmental damage are ongoing.
In an earlier email to the Inquirer, vlogger Rodel Seniaga shared photos and videos showing flames engulfing portions of the mountain, particularly in Sitio Sulong, Barangay San Ignacio, where he resides./coa
