HUGE BUSHFIRE. An estimated 25 hectares of land were destroyed by a bushfire that occurred at noon on Sunday (Sept. 3, 2023) in Sitio Carbon, Barangay Del Pilar, Socorro, Surigao del Norte. Authorities said they are still determining the damage to crops and farm products. (Photo courtesy of Mayor Riza Rafonselle Taruc-Timcang)
BUTUAN CITY – A bushfire damaged around 25 hectares of land in Socorro town, Bucas Grande Island in Surigao del Norte on Sunday noon, authorities said.
Fire Officer 1 Lance Adrian Timcang, Socorro fire station investigator, said the bushfire that flared up in Sitio Carbon, Barangay Del Pilar, was declared under control after more than seven hours with the help of residents.
“The incident started by an unattended fire which we suspect was for cooking on a farm. Due to strong winds, the fire immediately spread and consumed a large area in Sitio Carbon,” Timcang said in a phone interview Monday.
He said the extent of damage inflicted on farms and crops by the bushfire is being assessed. No resident was reported hurt during the incident.
“A farmhouse was also destroyed. We have not yet received reports from residents as to the farm animals and crops that were affected by the bushfire,” Timcang said.
In a statement on Monday, Socorro town Mayor Riza Rafonselle Taruc-Timcang said Sunday's bushfire is considered the biggest that transpired in the history of the town.
A special meeting will be convened within the week to address the situation, especially the effect of the incident on the residents, she said.
“The meeting will involve all local government departments, including the different line agencies. We need to move to prevent the occurrence of the same incident in the town,” she said. (PNA)
