The forest fire taking place in a huge area of a mountain in Duacan, Kabayan, Benguet which started Wednesday has been declared under control.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Kabayan said authorities have been encountering difficulty in controlling the fire due to lack of equipment which pushed them to improvise.
The fire has affected the Akiki Trail which is part of the main route to Mt. Pulag.
Tourists are not yet allowed to trek, but Kabayan Mayor Faustino Aquisan clarified that not all trekking activities in Mt. Pulag are suspended.
Meanwhile, almost 75 hectares of the forests of Atok, Benguet were hit by consecutive fires this week.
Benguet Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office said there have been 12 forest fires in eight towns this month, covering a 900-hectare range and damage worth Php 2 million.
The Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera has suggested the placement of water impounding station in places where forest fires mainly take place. – Report from PTV Cordillera
