Set up firecracker zones, LGUs urged

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) called on governors, mayors and other local officials yesterday to designate firecracker zones to prevent injuries and fire incidents caused by fireworks during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Chief Superintendent Ruben Bearis Jr., BFP officer-in-charge, said firecracker zones in every barangay would allow residents to light firecrackers but minimize accidents and injuries caused by the reckless use of pyrotechnics in the streets or in homes.

Bearis said the designation of firecracker and pyrotechnic zones in every province, city, municipality, and barangay could help make the New Year festivities safer.

“The forthcoming holidays have kept all concerned government agencies heedful on taking precautionary measures to avoid loss of life and property due to the improper use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics during the New Year,” said Bearis.

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) proposed the setting up of firecracker zones in every barangay to reduce accidents during the New Year’s Eve revelry.

Chief Superintendent Raul Petrasanta, director of the PNP-Firearms and Explosives Office (FEO), said firecracker zones had been proven to be effective in minimizing injuries and fire incidents.

“Without firecracker zones, anybody could light a firecracker and any pyrotechnic material but with firecracker zones, authorities could limit activities to certain areas, thus authorities can easily address any injury or untoward incident that may happen,” said Petrasanta.

Bearis said Republic Act 7183 regulates the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices, and establishes firecracker zones in local government units.

The BFP chief also directed BFP regional directors to instruct all fire marshals to coordinate with local officials to put up firecracker zones.

The BFP had expressed concern over the increasing number of firecracker-related injuries before New Year’s Eve.

Bearis said the fire bureau would intensify inspections on establishments dealing in the manufacture, distribution and sale of pyrotechnics as part of BFP’s Oplan Paalala and Oplan Iwas Paputok.

Meanwhile, environmentalists held a parade yesterday in Pandacan, Manila to appeal to residents to avoid using firecrackers and fireworks and just welcome the New Year in a safer way.

The anti-pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition organized the “Ligtas Salubong 2013 sa Komunidad” and held the parade near the Pandacan oil depot.

Health officials led by Secretary Enrique Ona, Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa and Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, PNP and BFP officials participated in the event.

Aileen Lucero of the EcoWaste Coalition’s Project Protect said the activity is part of the group’s ongoing “Iwas PapuToxic” drive to support the Department of Health’s (DOH) “Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction” to promote public health and safety against the many hazards posed by pyrotechnic devices.

“We have come to Pandacan, a safety hotspot, due to the presence of the oil depot, to urge residents to stay away from firecrackers and fireworks as a precaution against accidental explosion and fire incidents. Taking a collective decision to shield the entire community from real harm is worth it, and as the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry,” said Lucero.