Fire razes Mount Banahaw

MANILA, Philippines - A fire that hit the peak of Mount Banahaw on Wednesday evening continues to raze the mystical mountain, the state disaster response agency said on Thursday.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in its update this morning that the forest fire at the top of the famous mountain started around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

The NDRRMC said approximately 10 hectares of the mountain have been affected by the fire that has not yet been put out.

Due to the 70-degree steepness of the area, firefighters were unable to reach the area, the agency said.

"Fire is still spreading as of the moment. Progress of investigation still ongoing," the NDRRMC said in its update posted on its website past 8 a.m.

According to a report from dzMM radio, Dr. Henry Buzar of the Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the fire may have been caused by a candle lighted and left by about 20 pilgrims who climbed the mystical mountain.

The report said authorities have yet to determine the location of the pilgrims.

At least three monitoring teams have been deployed to the area, the report added, to prevent the fire from reaching the foot of the mountain where there are around 100 houses.

Mount Banahaw is located at the boundary of the provinces of Laguna and Quezon. - Louis Bacani