BFP urges public to avoid burning garbage

MANILA, Philippines – This Fire Prevention Month of March, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) appealed to the public to avoid burning garbage as it may result to grass fires during the hot and dry weather brought by El Niño.

Aside from the threats of causing fire, Information officer of BFP-Pangasinan Fire Inspector Michael John Escaño said burning of trashes may also generate air pollution that is harmful for health and causes damage to the environment.

“Better create a compost pit where you can bury your waste and reduce pollution,” Escaño said.

Escaño also encouraged smokers to prevent lighting of cigarette butts in random location as well as overloading of electrical circuits.

“In order to avoid grass fires, smokers should avoid throwing lighted cigarette butts anywhere; avoid overloading of electrical circuits; and be familiar with the hotline number of the nearest fire station in your area that you can call in case of fire and other emergencies,” he said.

The BFP official advised the public to prefer buying licensed products approved by the Department of Trade and Industry and refrain from using substandard products to prevent fire incidents. He added that one must not leave electronic gadgets unattended when charging as it could trigger fire when left overcharged.

Escaño said the BFP is already conducting house-to-house information drive to keep the public aware of the safety measures to lessen and prevent fire incidents in the province.

He shared safety tips to prevent fire incidents in line with the celebration of the Fire Prevention Month with the theme “Kaalaman at Pagtutulungan ng Sambayanan, Kaligtasan sa Sunog ay Makakamtan” hoping the public will follow the tips and keep communities safe from fire accidents.