A wildfire has damaged at least 100 hectares within the four-kilometer permanent danger zone (PDZ) of Mt. Kanlaon, according to the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) yesterday.

Director Charlie Fabre of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Negros Island Region said most of the damage was limited to grass and shrubs.

The PAMO report said the fire has been spreading since April 19 in Barangay Masulog, La Castellana, Negros Occidental.

Fabre said officials are coordinating with the Bureau of Fire Protection to determine containment measures.

“We have already coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of La Castellana,” Fabre said.

While the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, authorities are considering extreme heat as a likely ignition factor.

The restive state of Mt. Kanlaon further complicates entry for fire suppression teams.

Seth Bariga, Canlaon City information officer, said they are closely monitoring as they share a boundary with La Castellana through its own Barangay Masulog.

Bariga said residents in their portion of Barangay Masulog inside the PDZ evacuated months ago. (PNA)