Some change of plans for those who plan to climb Mount Pulag. On Saturday, the national park’s management announced on Facebook that they are not allowing people to enter the area after a stove brought by hikers caused a forest fire.
“Please be informed that hikes and treks at Mount Pulag will be closed until further notice…this is due to the occurrence of forest fire…camp sites and peaks along the grassland are affected,” the post reads.
While they opened the easiest and most popular Ambangeg trail today, the more challenging Akiki and Tawangan trails are still closed. Visitors are also still not allowed to go near the summit.
The fire was caused by an exploded butane gas stove brought by a hiker. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Office of Civil Defense in the Cordillera got the fire alert at 6:30pm but the exact time when the fire started is still unknown.
The fire affected campsites and peaks but no visitors were hurt. It was extinguished on the same night.
Sad photo of Mt. Pulag currently on fire thanks to a group who left their stove on pic.twitter.com/JwyZkdfvHF
— Ram Lopez-Vito Bucoy (@Rambuc) January 22, 2018
https://twitter.com/thepisopenny/status/954691963957100545
Those who planned to climb Mount Pulag are suggested to go to Four Lakes, another attraction in the area.
Mount Pulag is located in the Philippine highland region Cagayan Valley and the Cordillera Administrative Region. Because it is the highest peak in Luzon Island and the third highest mountain in the Philippines, the mountain has become a popular hiking and tourist destination.
However, people’s growing interest in it has caused some problems. Grass in some areas stopped growing and campsites have become muddy. Last week, the management enforced a new rule that prohibits visitors from entering the park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays starting this month until May.
In February 2016, the management started turning away tourists because continuous foot traffic strained the ground. According to the Inquirer, Mount Pulag houses endangered vegetation and animals.
Reader Interactions