A grass fire burned an estimated seven hectares of agricultural field and vegetation in three barangays of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, with firefighters battling the blaze for more than 10 hours before it was fully put off early Tuesday, Sept. 1.
The fire started at about 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in portions of Barangays Sto. Niño, Badiangaon and Manalog but was reported to authorities only at around 3:30 p.m., according to the Hinunangan Fire Station.
A responding team arrived at about 3:35 p.m. and immediately launched suppression and containment operations, with personnel from the Hinundayan Fire Station and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office joining the firefighting effort.
The fire was placed under control at 1:40 a.m. Tuesday and declared completely put out at 2:10 a.m.
Authorities estimated the property damage at about P50,000. The affected agricultural lands and vegetation were reportedly owned or cultivated by six families.
No fatalities or injuries were reported, and the fire did not reach any residential houses or establishments.
Three fire trucks were deployed during the operation, which was led by FO3 Joselito Gomez, ground commander.
The Hinunangan Fire Station, under the leadership of SFO4 Michael Mamita, acting municipal fire marshal, reminded residents to exercise caution in activities that could trigger grass and vegetation fires.
The public was also urged to avoid indiscriminate burning and immediately report fire incidents to the nearest fire station or emergency responders.