Public warned vs grass fire

Davao Oriental —Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) marshals are cautioning residents against burning of agricultural waste to prevent grass fire, especially with the looming El Niño.

Based on statistics released by the bureau during the Kapihan Sang Kapitolyo on October 12 at the Provincial Capitol Grand Conference Room, there had been a total of 45 cases of grass fires in the province from January to September 2018. Residential fire has the next highest cases on the same period with a total of 36 incidents.

City Fire Marshal SINSP Christian Cena said that while the penalty and fine are lenient in violating RA 9003, an act that prohibits agricultural waste burning, the bureau will strictly enforce the law, emphasizing its underlying cost of damage.

“El Niño season is approaching probably by the end of the fourth quarter (this year) or by the first quarter of next year. So we would like to remind the constituents of the City of Mati regarding the prohibition of burning of leaves and waste materials,” he said.

Cena said that based on their hazard mapping in the City of Mati, Barangay Dahican, although not heavily populated compared to other villages in the city, is the most hazardous to grass fire.

Other hazardous areas to fire incident are Barangays Dahican, Central, Matiao, and Bobon.

“We encourage the residents in the City of Mati to report to the BFP or the police if you know anyone who violates the law, especially those who burn waste materials near dry cogon grass,” Cena said.

Meanwhile, Provincial Fire Marshal Superintendent Honee Fritz Abangan, who is also one of the resource persons of the media forum together with Municipal Fire Marshals, said that efforts to expedite response during fire incidents have been taken seriously by the bureau.

She said that they have requested the establishment of a self-sustaining refilling station here, the installation of fire hydrants and fire alarm, and the purchase of fire trucks and other equipment./