Fire hits Banahaw; 20 feared trapped

LUCENA - A fire broke out on Mount Banahaw in Sariaya, Quezon on Wednesday, with 20 people feared trapped on the mountain, authorities said. The Quezon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said it received information that members of a sect engaged in mysticism earlier went up the mountain and might have lighted candles, causing the fire. The area where the fire hit is known as "Durungawan." It is covered with grass and trees, and is around 1,900 meters above sea level. The fire has affected around 30 hectares on the mountain as of Thursday morning, authorities said. Dr. Henry Buzar of the Quezon PDRRMC said the fire was spreading due to winds. - Umagang Kay Ganda, 20 March 2014