Tadian town experiences first grass fire in 2025; Over one hectare of land burnt

Tadian, Mountain Province – As 2025 draws to a close, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)–Tadian recorded the town’s first grass fire of the year after a blaze broke out in a mountainous area covering more than one hectare, particularly in Barangay Poblacion, Tadian, Mountain Province, on the afternoon of December 18, 2025, past 3:00 p.m.

According to Acting Municipal Fire Marshal SFO3 Ryan Oliseo, in an interview with Regional News Group–RNG Luzon, firefighters immediately responded upon receiving reports of the fire. However, responders encountered difficulty reaching the affected area due to the steep and rugged terrain.

Oliseo said the firefighting operation took several hours because of the required mapping process and the challenging geographic location of the fire.

“Tumatagal po kasi siya kasi yung proseso po namin, magma-mapping pa po kasi kami. Titingnan po muna namin kung saan ang sunog at doon kami magfa-fire out kaya ganun po katagal. Dagdag pa rito ang geographic location—steep at masyadong matarik,” the fire marshal explained.

After several hours of firefighting, authorities declared the fire under control past 7:00 p.m. Initial investigation by the Tadian Fire Station revealed that no properties or structures were damaged by the incident.

Oliseo also clarified that some remaining burned portions were no longer considered at risk of rekindling, as these areas were already close to the plant roots.

“Yung ibang bahagi po kasi, hindi na namin kino-consider na rekindling dahil yung natira ay malapit na sa roots. Kapag kasi nasunog iyon, may mga madaling masunog—may tinatawag silang parang gas,” he added.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the fire and have reminded the public to remain vigilant, especially during the dry season and the year-end period when fire incidents are more likely to occur.

Meanwhile, according to BFP Cordillera Fire Inspector and Information Officer Janelle Manuel Daniel, in a report cited by national media, fire incidents from January to March 2024 were higher than in 2023, with a total of 49 grass fires recorded. Of this number, 15 grass fires occurred in Mountain Province.