By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following a series of incidents regarding fires attributed to ongoing dry conditions, Bacolod City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Fire Marshal, Fire Chief Inspector Publio Ploteña, urged local residents to be mindful of potential fire threats. He noted, this month alone, most of the fire calls the bureau has received are related to grass fires.

“I encourage everyone, especially those [who own] open lots, to cut their grass, as it is too dangerous if they become dry,” he said. “[Fires] could quickly jump if there is a nearby residential area.”

The BFP official said, prior to last Wednesday’s fire in Barangay Mansilingan, there were five recorded grass fire incidents.

Earlier this month, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) confirmed a “weak” El Niño is now being experienced in some areas of the country and will likely result in below normal rainfall.

According to AccuWeather, El Niño is a climate pattern that raises sea temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. Such a system can contribute to drought conditions due to reduced rainfall./DGB, WDJ