Public urged to be extra careful especially during dry months

CEBU, Philippines - The Bureau of Fire Protection-7 yesterday kicked off the observance of the Fire Prevention Month by renewing its call to the public to be extra careful to help avoid incidences of fire especially during dry the months.

As part of the celebration and preparation against fire, the department has also led the blessing and turnover of new firetrucks and firefighting equipment to the fire stations of Lapu-Lapu City, San Fernando and Minglanilla.

Cebu provincial fire marshal Chief Insp. Victor Vibares said that they have lined up a series of activities to raise public awareness which include intensification of fire safety inspection, fire safety information drive and fire drill on public and private establishments and other institutions.

Particularly, he said firefighters will conduct fire safety inspections on all business, industrial and other types of occupancies.

The yearly observance of the Fire Prevention Month is based on Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A aimed at raising the level of awareness of the public on the ways to prevent fires to save lives and properties.

This annual advocacy aims to foster cooperation, commitment and linkages as forefront in public safety service which is the main focus of the fire department.

Based on studies, the common causes of fire are: electrical misuse, flammable liquid, stoves/LPG tank, cigarette butts/matches, open flames, combustion/heat/bonfire and sparks/explosives.

Vibares said that with the month-long observance of fire prevention, they are optimistic that they could increase public awareness through their activities.

To launch the celebration, the BFP yesterday conducted series of activities that started at 5 a.m. with a fun run from Fuente Osmeña oval going to the BFP-7 office on Natalio Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City.

After the fun run, a Mass was celebrated at the St. Florian chapel located inside the BFP-7 office. St Florian is the patron saint of the firefighters.

Personnel from provincial fire department, regional office, and Cebu City Fire Department joined the activities.

The Mass was followed by the blessing of the two firetrucks for Minglanilla Fire Station and San Fernando Fire Station and one rubber boat for Lapu-Lapu City Fire Department. A short program followed shortly wherein firetrucks did a simultaneous blowing of their sirens signaling the opening of the month-long activities.

 Firetrucks from different fire stations then joined the motorcade from the BFP-7 office passing by N. Bacalso Avenue, V. Rama Avenue, B. Rodriguez St., Fuente Osmeña, Escario St., Gorordo Avenue, P. del Rosario St. and back to the Pahina Central Fire Station on N. Bacalso Avenue.

The event was participated by various rescue and volunteer organizations in the city like the Barangay Fire Brigades and different volunteer brigades, non-government organizations and volunteer firefighters.

After the motorcade, a fire drill was demonstrated by the members of the search and rescue unit at the Pahina Central Fire Station.

The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Month celebration is “Sustaining Fire Prevention through Active Community Participation.”— Johanna T. Natavio/WAB   (FREEMAN NEWS)