Heavy rain tames Kanlaon fire, but Negros crisis far from over

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A fire on the eastern slope of Kanlaon Volcano in the central Philippines was largely contained by Wednesday, April 9, after heavy overnight rain helped douse the blaze, authorities said.

The fire had been burning since Tuesday, April 8, when an eruption ignited vegetation within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone, according to Task Force Kanlaon head Raul Fernandez. He said the rain was a “miracle.”

The blaze spread quickly due to dry conditions and high temperatures.