Name: Balaba, Aicelle C.

Date: 21-Apr-24
Grade & Section: STEM 11-B

Forest fire in Bontoc town, Mountain Province

On March 6, 2024, twenty-one forest fires had been recorded in the Mountain
Province since January. Their last recorded damage took at least 24 hectares of forest
in the capital town of Bontoc. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) issued a warning
alerting travelers to the potential hazards along the highway, specifically in the
Barangay Alab area. The local government authorities quickly moved to close off the
affected areas, redirecting to alternative routes to ensure the safety of motorists. No
casualties from the forest fire have been reported. The BFP has also advised residents
in nearby communities to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire immediately.
Efforts are being made to contain the fires and prevent further damage to the region's
forests. The firefighters managed to manage the forest fire by morning, allowing them to
reopen the Bontoc-Baguio Road.

1
 Parts in Fire Tetrahedron
Heat It can come from various human activities
such as negligence, burning of grasses,
burning of garbage, and kaingin (slash-
and-burn farming). The dry conditions
and windy weather also contribute to the
heat factor.

Fuel This includes dried pine trees and pine

needles, which have become highly
flammable due to the dry spell. Other fuel
sources mentioned in the article include
grasses, garbage, and vegetation in the
forest.

Oxidizing agent Oxygen is naturally present in the

environment and supports the
combustion process. The windy
conditions in the province can provide
ample oxygen to fuel the fires and help
them spread quickly.

Uninhibited Chemical Reaction Once the fire starts, it can lead to a

chemical chain reaction that sustains and
spreads the fire. In this case, the dry
conditions and flammable fuel sources
contribute to the rapid spread of the fires.

Concrete Pre-cautionary Plans:

Fire prevention in Bontoc, Mountain Province, requires multi-faceted action. First,
educate citizens on avoiding fire hazards. Launch a campaign to make people aware of
fire risks. Second, toughen up fire safety rules. The law must ensure proper
precautions. Third, ignite community fire prevention efforts. Encourage locals to identify
and report potential fire threats. Fourth, create firebreaks and fire lanes. Firebreak
spaces can stop wildfires from spreading. Fifth, ensure proper waste disposal.
Improperly handled trash fuels fires. Sixth, implementation monitoring and early
detection measures. Spotting fires early saves lives and property. Lastly, coordinate
with government bodies. Partnerships boost fire prevention success. By taking these
steps, the town of Bontoc can safeguard its forests and communities from wildfire
devastation.