Puerto Princesa braces for more grass fires amid super El Niño

CALAPAN CITY — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) has placed its firefighting equipment on standby as it anticipates a possible increase in grass fires amid the extreme heat associated with super El Niño, according to the Provincial Information Office Mimaropa- Palawan on Friday, Oct. 2.

CDRRMO chief Earl Timbancaya said the city currently records an average of three grass-fire incidents daily, but the number could increase as temperatures rise and vegetation dries out.

Timbancaya warned that dried leaves and grass that had been cleared and burned could pose a fire hazard during periods of excessive heat. Even debris left by Super Typhoon Odette in 2021 could still fuel grass fires, he said.

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READ: Two phases, one crisis: Floods and drought under super El Niño

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High temperatures and dry grass could trigger fires in grasslands, potentially threatening forested areas and other communities across the city, Timbancaya added.

The CDRRMO said its firefighting equipment, including a lorry truck equipped for firefighting, is ready for deployment.

To strengthen disaster response in far-flung communities, the CDRRMO has also established forward operating centers at mini city halls maintained by the Puerto Princesa city government.

Timbancaya said the centers would bring disaster-response services closer to residents and help address community needs as the city prepares for the possible effects of Super El Niño on health, agriculture and other livelihood activities.

The CDRRMO urged residents to exercise caution in handling dried vegetation and other combustible materials, particularly during periods of extreme heat. /mr