Osmeña tells BFP to be alert for fires

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas R. Osmeña has reminded city fire marshal Esmael Codilla to make sure that fire trucks in the city are in good running condition and the fire fighters are ready for whatever fire incidents that may erupt, particularly in the thickly-populated areas when the people celebrate the New Year tonight.

The mayor also advised the public to be vigilant and to prepare for supplies of water that could be used immediately in case of fire.

Codilla said about 90 fire fighters have been assigned to report to different fire stations today, but the problem is that the Cebu City fire department only has eight operational fire trucks that could be used to respond to fire alarms because the other fire trucks are still being repaired, while the others are already beyond repair.

“Gamay na lang kaayo ang atong mga fire trucks nga operational apan wala na’y problema kay naa man ang ubang fire trucks sa Filipino-Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade, sa Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation ug sa barangay Santo Niño nga kanunay’ng motabang kun dunay sunog,” said Codilla.

Osmeña also warned the public, particularly the parents, to see to it that their children will not light firecrackers in areas that might easily catch fires.

Codilla said fire incidents can be prevented if the public are cautious, particularly in exploding firecrackers during Christmas and New Year celebrations.

A fireman warned the public not to use skyrockets or kwitis without bamboo tails because, instead of going up, these explosives will fly and explode anywhere that may hurt people and or may trigger fires.

“Kadaghan na kana mahitabo nga ang kwitis nakamugna og sunog kay dunay nagbinuang nga gitangtangan og ikog nga kawayan dayon giduslitan. Kun dili magmatngon ang mga tawo, imbis sila maglipay mawad-an sila og panimalay kun masunog,” he said.

It is expected that more people will light fireworks tonight compared to the last Christmas, but firecracker manufacturer Grace Pungasi of JP Fireworks said their sales dropped this year, an indication that fewer persons buy firecrackers to welcome the Christmas and New Year.

Meanwhile, Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, the head of the City Hall-created task force against firecrackers, warned the firecrackers dealers to sell their products only at the South Road Properties (SRP) otherwise these will be confiscated by them. — Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (FREEMAN NEWS)