Itogon, Benguet faces another forest fire

Itogon, Benguet is once again contending with the threat of a forest fire, as the latest incident was reported in Sitio Danto Banawel, Ampucao, on January 26, around 9:50 AM.

Fire Officer 3 Saturnino Ariston of the Bureau of Fire Protection - Itogon, reported that an ongoing investigation is underway to determine the cause of the forest fire and prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

Despite operational limitations at night and the challenging mountainous environment, including strong winds, the 505th Search and Rescue Group of the Philippine Air Force has managed to extinguish 60 percent of the forest fire in the mountains of Itogon, Benguet.

The fire covered a vast area of over 50 hectares, affecting the barangays of Dalupirip and Tinongdan. Since January 27, 2024, two Huey helicopters have been deployed to control the fire's spread.

As of today, a Huey helicopter is engaged in a helibucket operation within the remaining approximately 30 hectares of the forested area ablaze.

Meanwhile, authorities declared the forest fire in Sitio Bumulo, Ampucao, Itogon, Benguet, which started on January 18, as “under control” on January 26.

Officials are urging residents to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in "kaingin" or slash-and-burn activities to prevent similar incidents in the future. The term 'panagkaingin' refers to the traditional practice of clearing land for cultivation through controlled burning.