CAPAS, Tarlac – The enhanced disaster-preparedness program of the local government was tested in a fire that destroyed at least seven hectares of grassland recently.

“Kung hindi po dahil sa maagap na pagkilos ng aming punongbayan at mga bumbero, natupok na ang buong Capas,” a resident said.

He said the fire burned the  grassland located between St. Bernadette and Vargas Subdivisions.

Mayor Antonio “TJ’ C. Rodriguez said if not prevented, the blaze could have reached the town’s commercial and residential areas.

“Actually the fire already reached the back of commercial establishments in Barangay Sto. Rosario along the MacArthur Highway and the adjacent residential areas.  But our firefighters prevented it from spreading further,” Rodriguez said.

The fire which started before 3 p.m. lasted four hours.

Among those who responded were the fire brigades from Barangays Manlapig, Navy Resettlement, and Bamban.

Fortunately, no  one was reported hurt or killed in the incident.

“Although the residents panicked, no injury or damage to property was reported,"  town police chief. Supt Felix Verbo said.

Earlier, a fire also broke out at Villa Generosa,  in Barangay Estrada but was quickly put out by alert firemen and residents.