7-hour grass fire hits Pagudpud mountain

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte, May 8– A wildfire of unknown origin burned an estimated 23-hectare grassland in the mountain located at Brgy, Baruyen, this town, fire officials here said.

The Bureau of Fire Protection marshall here reported that the blaze erupted before 5 p.m. yesterday and was contained at about 11 o’clock last night.

He told reporters that responding firetrucks of this town and nearby municipalities failed to reach the mountain fire scene prompting them to apply manual system by using tree branch leaves to help control the fire.

The flame, fanned by strong wind blows, spread so fast and ruined a vast area of the mountain, the BFP officer lamented.

He added that Pagudpud Mayor Marlon Sales, other town officials and employees, the PENRO head and personnel, barangay officials and residents helped as fire volunteers during the incident. (tri-media report)