Ilocos norte: The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, alongside environmental and uniformed personnel, has intensified efforts in fire-prone areas to prevent grass and forest fires this summer.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ilocos Norte Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos confirmed ongoing collaboration with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and stakeholders to ensure strict compliance with laws and ordinances, including penalties for forest and environmental law violations. In a press conference at the Office of the Governor, she stated that municipalities, particularly Carasi, Piddig, and Solsona, have been instructed to intensify the campaign, with Barangay Ranger Officers vigilantly monitoring the situation.
In 2025, Ilocos Norte recorded eight forest fires, a significant decrease from 42 incidents in 2024 and 82 in 2023, as reported by the BFP. Authorities identified human activities, such as burning agricultural waste and improper disposal of cigarette butts, as primary causes of wildfires.
To bolster firefighting efforts, the provincial government has allocated at least PHP1 million from the 2026 disaster risk reduction and management fund for equipment purchases. Fire Superintendent Roxanne Parado, provincial fire marshal of BFP Ilocos Norte, expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting improvements in firefighting capabilities over the years. The provincial fire office is equipped with 422 personnel, 36 in specialized training, 57 fire trucks, 11 ambulances, and a government rescue vehicle.
