By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – In a single day, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Bacolod grappled with 13 fire incidents, including a vast nine-hectare grassland blaze that erupted last Tuesday.
Data revealed grass fires as the most frequent, tallying ten incidents, supplemented by isolated cases of residential, rubbish, and vehicular fires.
A substantial blaze swept through seven hectares in Barangay Banago, launching firefighting efforts that extended over two hours before the fire was subdued.
Similarly, earlier in the day, flames consumed two hectares at the Bacolod-Talisay City boundary. Fire crews were dispatched, dedicating another two-hour battle against the inferno.
Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez was on-site post-incident, having responded to a distress call from the proximal Missionaries of Charity Home of Joy. He confirmed the safety and security of the local residents and patients, commending the firefighters for their efficacy.
Acknowledging the collective effort, the mayor noted that at least 12 fire engines were mobilized to tackle the emergency.
In preemptive action against further outbreaks, controlled burns were executed on Monday night, aiming to mitigate the risk posed by the current El Niño conditions.
City officials convened at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) for a strategic meeting to address the complications anticipated from the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). The dialogue, informed by PAGASA’s weather observer Jeff Patrick Maquiling, covered diverse concerns, including water scarcity, the spike in grassfires, and potential food production declines.
Strategies delineated to counter these challenges range from deploying water tankers, distributing drought-resistant seeds, to conducting controlled burns and community cleanups. Additionally, preparations are underway for the forthcoming La Niña phase, focusing on flood mitigation, disease control, and property protection.
Mayor Benitez underscored Bacolod’s commitment to enhancing its resilience in the face of El Niño’s trials, vowing to ensure adequate water supply and proactive community engagement in disaster preparedness.
At the heart of the meeting’s discourse were plans to scrutinize flood-prone locales, maintain drainage systems, and establish community-based early warning systems, as city officials, alongside Councilors Pao Sy and Claudio Puentevella and other key personnel, pledge to uphold the city’s safety and welfare.
