The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod City reminded Bacolodnons of ways to prevent grass fires amid the extreme heat that has caused frequent incidents in the past two weeks.
Data provided by the BFP-Bacolod City Fire Station on Wednesday showed that 62 grass fires, as well as 12 rubbish fires, were recorded from April 1 to 14.
“To prevent grass fires, do not burn trash or dry leaves,” it said in a public reminder.
Those who smoke are advised to extinguish cigarettes properly.
The BFP-Bacolod also asked the public to keep matches and lighters away from grassy areas, as well as clear dry grass and debris around one’s property.
On Wednesday afternoon, a grass fire was reported in the area of Barangay Alijis, while the day before, at the Reclamation Area.
The grass fire at the boundary of Bacolod City and Talisay City on Tuesday afternoon caused heavy smoke to spread towards Barangay Banago.
This led to the evacuation of 33 residents of the Missionaries of Charity Home of Joy, who were brought to the multi-purpose gym.
The affected individuals returned home when the smoke cleared about an hour later.
The incident report of BFP-Talisay City Fire Station showed the grass fire started near the entrance gate of La Costa Brava residential resort.
The fire was caused by an unattended burning rubbish, the report said.
In Negros Occidental, the heat index forecast was at 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, while on Tuesday it was 40 degrees Celsius, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. *PNA
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