Grassfire hits Taal Volcano Island

A grassfire broke out on the southwest portion of Taal Volcano Island on Tuesday, directly affecting the Binintiang Munti (VTBM) Observation Station, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

The fire was first detected at 11:24 AM by the station's IP camera and the VTAG camera in Agoncillo, Batangas. Similar incidents were previously recorded on 3 March 2023, and 2 May 2024.

PHIVOLCS Director Dr. Teresito Bacolcol addressed the situation in an interview with DZBB on Wednesday, confirming that the fire was still ongoing but weakening. He clarified that the grassfire was not caused by volcanic activity, stating, “Well, hindi pa natin masasabi (ang cause ng grassfire), pero definitely hindi ito dahil sa activity ng Taal Volcano.”

("Well, we can't say for sure, but definitely, it's not due to the activity of Taal Volcano.")

Personnel from the Coast Guard Sub Station (CGSS), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in San Nicolas swiftly responded to the fire. A preliminary assessment by BFP San Nicolas estimated that it had affected approximately three to five hectares.

Despite the incident, Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano, indicating low-level unrest.