Chocolate Hills in Bohol Affected by Grassfire

A grassfire incident has struck two mounds of the iconic Chocolate Hills in Carmen, Bohol, attributed to the prevailing hot weather conditions.

The blaze, reported by FO3 Ian Blair Reyes of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Carmen, ignited past 7 p.m. on Tuesday, spreading rapidly due to the dry grass covering the hills, a result of the scorching temperatures.

The affected area included two hills adjacent to the view deck of the Chocolate Hills Complex in Barangay Buenos Aires.

Responders from BFP-Carmen faced challenges in combating the fire as the darkness hindered the entry of fire trucks into the area. Instead, they monitored the situation closely, ensuring that adjacent hills remained unaffected.

After nearly three hours, authorities successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage to the natural wonder.

This incident is not an isolated occurrence, as historical data from the BFP indicates previous grassfire occurrences in the region, highlighting the vulnerability of the Chocolate Hills during the dry season.

The Chocolate Hills, consisting of over 1,700 cone-shaped mounds, are a hallmark of Bohol's tourism landscape. While lush and green during the wet season, the hills take on a chocolate-brown hue in the dry months, hence their name.

Efforts to preserve and protect this natural treasure remain paramount as authorities work to mitigate the risks posed by environmental hazards such as grassfires, ensuring the longevity of Bohol's cherished tourist attraction.