Vice Mayor Urges Vigilance as Grassfires Escalate in Dry Season: Laoag City Responds to Incidents Amidst Challenges

Laoag City Vice Mayor Urges Public Vigilance Amidst Rising Grassfires in Dry Season

Laoag City Vice Mayor Rey Carlos Fariñas has issued a call to the public to help prevent grassfires during the current dry and windy season. Fariñas, the founder of the Fariñas Fire and Rescue Volunteers in the city, made this appeal following his team's response to a grass fire incident in Barangay 33B, La Paz, Laoag City, within the La Paz dunes—a popular tourist spot for 4x4 rides and sandboarding in Ilocos Norte province.

The grass fire was attributed to intoxicated individuals who ignited fireworks near the 4x4 view deck, as evidenced by the recovery of an empty fireworks box and a lighter. The fire was promptly extinguished with the assistance of the village firefighting brigade and 4x4 operators. Due to the fire truck's inability to reach the grassfire area, large drums filled with water were transported using 4x4 vehicles.

Fariñas emphasized the importance of vigilance in preventing forest fires that pose risks to lives and properties, especially given the proximity of the incident to residential areas. Authorities in Ilocos Norte have expressed concerns about the increasing number of forest and grass fires, recording 23 incidents from February to March 6, 2023. These incidents affected various areas, including Batac, Vintar, Sarrat, Currimao, Marcos, Banna, Piddig, Paoay, Solsona, and Nueva Era.

Marcel Tabije, head of the provincial resiliency office, attributed most of the wildfires during this period to human activities such as burning agricultural farm waste and discarding cigarette butts in grassy areas. He urged the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any grassfire incidents to the Bureau of Fire Protection.

Despite challenges like limited manpower and insufficient firefighting equipment, officials from the Bureau of Fire Protection in Laoag City are recommending the installation of radio towers in isolated areas to ensure swift response to wildfires. The need for forest firefighting equipment, including a jet shooter backpack, is also highlighted by the BFP."