Forest fires scorch Eastern Samar

MANILA, Philippines–‎Forest fires have scorched more than 53 hectares in at least five towns in Eastern Samar, a report said Friday.

The Office of Civil Defense said that the wildfire, which broke out Monday in Giporlos town, has spread to ‎towns near Giporlos  including Balangiga, ‎Quinapondan, General MacArthur and Salcedo.

But a radio report from Leyte said no residential area has been affected by the raging blaze.

The Bureau of Fire Protection has sought the help of the Philippine Air‎ Force to conduct an aerial spray to prevent the fire from spreading.

Eastern Samar is one of the towns devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda,” which killed more than 5,500 in Leyte and Samar alone.

Aside from the hot and dry climate, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that trees and plants that have withered  in Eastern Samar after Yolanda caused the burning of forest lands.

Deployed BFP fire truck‎s are currently on standby in case the wildfire reaches residential areas.