Grassfire on Taal Volcano Extinguished After Hours of Effort

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Photo: PhilStar

 

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Calabarzon reported that a grassfire on the southwest portion of Taal Volcano in Batangas was successfully extinguished 21 hours after it began. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in San Nicolas declared the fire under control by 8:42 a.m. on April 2 and fully extinguished by 9:05 a.m. The blaze impacted approximately three to five hectares of grassland.

 

Grassfires are notably quick to spread, especially during the dry season, affecting low plants and dry patches. The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Talisay noted that such fires can be instigated by cigarettes, uncontrolled fires, or intense heat, posing threats to nearby homes and the environment.

 

Initial observations of this incident were made by the Phivolcs at around 11:24 a.m. on April 1. The Binintiang Munti (VTBM) Observation Station and IP camera at CTAG in Agoncillo captured the fire spread.

 

 

 

This isn't the first grassfire on Taal Volcano Island. Previous fires on March 3, 2023, and May 2, 2024, were linked to kindling from on-site cooking activities—a likely cause of these incidents, according to Mariton Bornas of Phivolcs. Given this history, Bornas urged those visiting for tasks like guarding fish pens to bring pre-cooked meals to mitigate fire risks enhanced by rising temperatures and dry conditions.

 

The latest fire had no major impact on monitoring systems, though one camera casing was damaged, with its device remaining operational. Protecting such equipment is crucial as Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1, indicating low-level unrest with potential for steam-driven explosions, volcanic quakes, and minor ashfall.

 

Public entry to Taal Volcano Island's permanent danger zone remains forbidden, along with activities such as boating on Taal Lake. The public is cautioned against accessing restricted areas to avoid hazards. Authorities continue investigating the latest fire's cause, emphasizing stringent caution during the dry season, reported PhilStar.

 

 

-- 2025-04-02