Reported grass fires sign of dry season

Reported grass fires sign of dry season

28 March 2008

published by www.mvariety.com

Micronesia — If there was any sign that the dry season was at our front door, it was evident yesterday as firefighters battled two grass fires in the central and southern parts of Guam.

Yesterday morning, firefighters responded to a blaze along Old Price Road in Mangilao next to the Taitano property. 

Guam Fire Department Spokesman Fire Chief Tony Rabon said the fire was under control at around 2 p.m. yesterday.

However, a heavy smoke screen had spread towards the road in front of the Rainbow Laundromat and reached as far as KNS store in Barrigada.

“The fire was out, but the smoke was affecting visibility” Rabon said.

Down in Talisay, Santa Rita, several fire units responded to a grass fire in the area. 

Firefighter G.T. Unchangco of the Yona Fire Department kills a fire along Rt. 10 in Mangilao yesterday afternoon. Photo by Paul Blas

According to Rabon, the fire was located in an area their units were unable to get to. He said they were monitoring the situation in the event the fire got closer to homes.

The fire affected four hectares of wild land.

Meanwhile, because of the dry season, Rabon said a fire danger rating is in effect for the next few days and had been listed as very extreme.  Residents are advised to not throw cigarettes butts in open areas and to refrain from burning outdoors.