Mountain Province hit by 226% spike in fire incidents; “Alipato” among leading causes

MOUNTAIN PROVINCE – Fire incidents in Mountain Province more than tripled during the second quarter of 2026, with authorities recording 62 fires from March 16 to June 15—a staggering 226-percent increase compared with the 19 incidents reported during the same period last year.

The sharp rise has heightened concerns over the growing threat to forests, farmlands, and nearby communities, prompting renewed calls for stricter fire prevention measures.

According to a Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) report cited by regional news outlets, burning embers or "alipato" were among the leading causes of the recorded fire incidents.

An alipato is a burning ember or spark that can be carried by the wind and ignite dry grass, leaves, wood, and other combustible materials, causing new fires even when they are far from the original source.

The BFP also identified open flames from farmland and agricultural clearing activities, bonfires, and rubbish burning as major contributors to the increase in fire incidents. The findings underscore the continuing risks posed by open-burning practices, particularly in rural and agricultural communities.

Earlier reports from the BFP-Cordillera showed that 144 fire incidents were recorded across the region from January to April 2026, with Mountain Province posting the highest number of forest fires at 91 incidents, along with 35 grass fires.

The latest figures highlight Mountain Province's continued vulnerability to vegetation fires and their potential impact on forests, agricultural lands, natural resources, and nearby communities, especially during the dry season.

Authorities continue to remind the public to refrain from unnecessary open burning, properly extinguish fire sources, and immediately report any fire incidents to prevent small fires from escalating into larger and more destructive blazes.