Davao City (CNN Philippines) — A fire has been raging in Mt. Apo since Saturday afternoon (March 26).
Since Saturday, about 100 hectares of forest cover has already been affected by the fire. According to reports, the fire started around 1 p.m. along the “blueberry area” near the summit.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but it reportedly spread fast since five separate fires are now raging in one area.
Authorities said mountain climbers have already been evacuated to safer ground as the fire is continuing to move towards Lake Venado. No injuries have been reported yet.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is already coordinating with local government units to prevent the fire from spreading.
The fire is inching towards the Tamayong area in Davao City.
Emmanuel Jaldon, Central 911 Emergency Head, said they are not yet involved in the firefight and rescue efforts because the area is within the jurisdiction of the forest rangers and the community volunteers.
Jaldon admitted that the situation is already “dangerous” and that they are looking into the possibility of using air assets.
“Problem is high altitude siya,” said Jaldon Sunday afternoon (March 27).
He said the Central 911 is currently assessing the situation so they would know what actions to take once they are called in.
Holy Week climb was regulated
Mt. Apo National Park, which spans Davao City, Kapatagan in Davao del Sur, and Kidapawan City in North Cotabato, is busiest during Holy Week. Thousands of climbers from all over the country and other parts of the world scale the Philippines’ tallest mountain, with an elevation of 2,954 meters.
This year, however, authorities limited the number of Holy Week hikers to only 1,000, due to the drought that has been affecting a large part of Mindanao in the past months.
The rule was imposed by the Mt. Apo Natural Park Protected Area Management Board Eco-Tourism Committee, citing El Niño and fire prevention as the two main reasons for this year’s regulated climb.
There have been reported water shortages in the Kidapawan and Magpet trails on the North Cotabato side, although other areas still have water supply.
Earlier this year, a grass fire was reported in Sitio Garok in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur and in Barangay Binaton in Digos City.
