ANKARA

A massive wildfire is raging along the eastern slope of the Kanlaon Volcano in central Philippines, following its eruption a day earlier, with authorities warning the fire could soon threaten nearby communities, local media reported Wednesday.

The fire, which has engulfed grasses and trees near the volcano’s crater, is proving difficult to control due to the dangerous terrain and ongoing volcanic activity, according to Rappler, citing local officials.

“We cannot risk our men or firefighters to climb the area where the mountain blaze is currently occurring. It’s really risky,” said Raul Fernandez, chief of Task Force Kanlaon.

Authorities fear the fire could breach the six-kilometer (3.7-mile) permanent danger zone and reach populated areas. Due to hazardous conditions near the summit, the use of helicopters for aerial firefighting has been ruled out for now.

The Kanlaon Volcano erupted on Tuesday, sending a towering ash plume approximately 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) into the sky. In response, authorities raised the volcano’s alert level and issued flight restrictions in the area.

Local residents have been warned of ongoing risks including sudden explosive eruptions, lava flows, ash fall, rockfall, pyroclastic flows, and the potential for deadly lahars during periods of heavy rain.

*Writing by Islamuddin Sajid