OFFICIALS of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Northern Mindanao Friday, March 1, said grass fire incidents are expected to shoot up in the coming months due to the looming dry spell to likely hit some provinces in the region.
In Cagayan de Oro City alone, a total of 72 grass fires were recorded for the last two months compared to the same period last year where the fire department only responded 39 incidents.
District Fire Marshall Superintendent Alan Cabot said one of the factors of the increase is illegal burning of dry leaves or grasses.
"Kanang illegal nga paghaling unya biyaan is a prohibited acts and a violation of the fire code," Cabot said.
Cabot said those who want to burn leaves and grasses instead of weeding it out should ask clearance from the fire department.
He said those who are caught could be penalized and will have to pay amounting to P4, 000 to P12, 000.
"Kaning pagpangayo wala na gi-practice. Siguro kay gatipid sa pagpalampas maong magsunog na lang without considering sa mga villages diha sa upland," Cabot said.
BFP-Northern Mindanao director Senior Superintendent Lindy Lauzon also said violators could also be criminally liable if properties are damaged due to the burning of grasses.
"Pwede sila makasuhan og reckless imprudence resulting in damage to properties," he said.
BFP-Northern Mindanao officials are asking the public to report to authorities anyone who burns dry leaves and grasses.
"The figures that was presented naay possibility that this would rise up. Two months pa lang ni and naay El Niño plus summer pa gyud," Lauzon said.
