In the early hours of April 8, 2025, Mount Kanlaon, located on Negros Island in the Philippines, erupted, sending a towering ash plume approximately 4,000 meters into the sky. The eruption scattered ash across at least four farming villages, prompting the suspension of school classes in the affected areas. No injuries or structural damage were reported immediately following the eruption.

However, the situation escalated when a massive wildfire ignited along the eastern slope of the volcano, engulfing grasses and trees near the crater. The fire's proximity to the volcano's summit and the challenging terrain have made containment efforts exceedingly difficult. Raul Fernandez, chief of Task Force Kanlaon, stated, "We cannot risk our men or firefighters to climb the area where the mountain blaze is currently occurring. It’s really risky."

Challenges in Firefighting Efforts

The hazardous conditions near the summit have led authorities to rule out the use of helicopters for aerial firefighting. The combination of steep slopes, ongoing volcanic activity, and the potential for sudden explosive eruptions poses significant risks to firefighting personnel. As a result, containment efforts are limited, and the fire continues to spread.

Potential Threat to Nearby Communities

Authorities are increasingly concerned that the wildfire could breach the six-kilometer permanent danger zone established around Mount Kanlaon and reach populated areas. 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. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has urged the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories.

Historical Context and Current Alert Levels

Mount Kanlaon is one of the Philippines' 24 most active volcanoes. Its last significant eruption occurred in December 2024, prompting the evacuation of thousands of villagers, many of whom remain in emergency shelters due to the volcano's continued unrest. As of now, the volcano is at alert level 3, indicating a high level of volcanic unrest. Chief volcanologist Teresito Bacolcol emphasized that while there are no significant increases in volcanic earthquakes necessitating a higher alert level, the possibility of a more significant eruption remains.

The eruption of Mount Kanlaon and the subsequent wildfire have created a complex and hazardous situation for both authorities and residents in the central Philippines. Efforts to contain the fire are hampered by the challenging terrain and ongoing volcanic activity, raising concerns about the potential impact on nearby communities. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and are urging residents to stay vigilant and adhere to safety advisories to mitigate the risks posed by the volcano's activity and the spreading wildfire.