In the northern Philippine province of Ilocos Norte, firefighting and disaster risk reduction workers have been fighting off forest fires that have affected various villages in Solsona since March 17. The Solsona Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office has reported that a total of 45 hectares of forest have been affected and, while the cause of the fire is unknown, thrown cigarette butts and burning farm waste have been identified as possible culprits. The towns of Dingras and Marcos have been providing assistance, while the Philippine Air Force has used helicopter buckets to try and extinguish the fires. Lack of equipment and the expanse of the area affected have made operation and control difficult. The Ilocos Norte Provincial Fire Station and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council have recently recorded that 23 hectares of grass have been set alight in Solsona, Batac City, Vintar, Sarrat, Currimao, Marcos, Banna, Piddig, and Paoay; however, the Solsona fires have yet to be completely extinguished. Fire Chief Inspector Claire Simbol, Ilocos Norte fire marshal, has suggested that communication and radio towers be installed in the mountains and that water tanks be placed in strategic locations to help fight off future forest fires.
