Grassfire breaks out on Taal Volcano Island, affects monitoring station — Phivolcs

A grassfire broke out on the southwest portion of Taal Volcano Island on Tuesday morning, April 1, directly affecting the Binintiang Munti (VTBM) Observation Station, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

According to the agency, the blaze was first recorded at 11:24 a.m. by its IP (Internet Protocol) camera stationed at VTBM. 

The fire was also recorded by another IP camera at VTAG in Agoncillo, Batangas, it added.

Phivolcs said the VTBM station has been affected by similar grassfires in the past, including incidents on March 3, 2023, and May 2, 2024, which were reportedly caused by kindling.

The seismology agency said it is closely monitoring the situation and has coordinated with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) of Batangas province.

Meanwhile, Phivolcs said Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano, which means that it is in an abnormal condition but there is no imminent eruption.