Manila, Philippines - A significant wildfire has ignited along the eastern slopes of the Philippines' Mount Kanlaon, which erupted the previous day, prompting authorities to warn of potential spread to nearby communities, local media reported on Wednesday.
The blaze, consuming grass and trees near the volcano's summit, is proving challenging to extinguish due to the rugged terrain and ongoing volcanic activity, according to Rappler, citing local officials.
"It is very dangerous to send personnel or firefighters to the area where the fire is currently occurring," stated Raul Fernandez, head of Task Force Kanlaon.
Authorities fear the fire could spread beyond the 6-kilometer (3.7-mile) permanent danger zone into populated areas. The hazardous conditions near the summit are currently precluding aerial firefighting efforts using helicopters.
Mount Kanlaon experienced a phreatic eruption on Tuesday, spewing a massive ash column approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) into the sky. This prompted authorities to raise the volcano's alert level and restrict aircraft operations in the area.
Local residents have been cautioned about the continuing dangers, including sudden and hazardous phreatic eruptions, lava flows, ashfall, rockfalls, pyroclastic flows, and the potential for deadly lahars during heavy rainfall.
Volcanic Activity Status: The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has maintained Alert Level 2 for Kanlaon Volcano, indicating "moderate level of unrest." The institute is conducting continuous monitoring of the area surrounding the volcano and has not ruled out the possibility of further explosive eruptions.
Cause of Wildfire: The exact cause of the wildfire is still under investigation. However, it is speculated that hot materials or ash ejected during the volcanic eruption may have ignited dry vegetation.
Damage Situation: No casualties or property damage due to the wildfire have been reported so far. However, there is growing concern that the flames could threaten nearby agricultural lands and residential areas if they continue to spread.
Response Efforts: Local fire authorities and the disaster risk reduction and management office are conducting ground firefighting operations to prevent the fire from spreading. However, they are facing difficulties in accessing the area due to the rugged terrain and volcanic activity, and the extinguishing efforts are expected to take a significant amount of time.
Resident Evacuation: Residents in the danger zones around the volcano have been instructed to prepare for evacuation in case of emergency. Emergency contact networks are being checked, and evacuation routes are being identified to ensure immediate evacuation if necessary.
Weather Conditions: Current weather conditions in the area are dry with moderately strong winds, which are conducive to the spread of wildfires.
[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]
