Forest fires in Eastern Samar put out—report

MANILA, Philippines–‎Forest fires that scorched at least five towns for a week in Eastern Samar have finally been put out, a radio report said Tuesday.

More than 53 hectares of forest lands were gutted by the week-long wildfire, which broke out last Feb. 17 in Giporlos municipality.

Heavy rains brought about by the northeast monsoon, or amihan, in Eastern Samar on Saturday helped personnel of Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Air Force in completely extinguishing the blaze early Sunday.

Aside from Giporlos, the municipalities of Balangiga, Salcedo, Lawaan, Marabut, Quinapondan, General MacArthur, Basey and Guiuan were also affected by fire.

No residential areas were gutted by the blaze.

Last Friday, the BFP sought the help of the PAF 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.

The BFP was investigating the cause of the wildfire.

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