The Philippine Coast Guard used water cannons to protect a lighthouse in Baler, Aurora from a grass fire on Friday. Personnel from the local station responded quickly and worked with other agencies to contain the blaze.
The grass fire spread rapidly around the lighthouse station in Barangay Zabali, Sitio Diguisit in Baler. The Philippine Coast Guard sub-station sought assistance from the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Aurora station. The Maritime Safety Services Unit-Northern Eastern Luzon and volunteer residents joined the effort.
PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan commended the personnel the following day. “Our personnel did not wait for a call for help. They identified the danger and worked alongside partner agencies to protect a critical maritime navigation facility. Their actions embody the Philippine Coast Guard’s commitment to safeguarding lives and national maritime infrastructure,” Gavan said.
The fire was brought under control and extinguished within an hour. There were no reports of injuries or damage to the facility. PCG spokesman Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela noted that not all lighthouses fall under PCG operation.
