Talisay, Lapu-Lapu set fire prevention activities

CEBU, Philippines – The Bureau of Fire Protection in Talisay City has lined up series of activities for the celebration of the  Fire Prevention Month.

Senior Insp. Randy Mendaros, Talisay City fire marshal, said the fire prevention month activities will kick off with a motorcade to raise public awareness of the month-long event tomorrow morning.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes, along with Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante, will join the motorcade. There will be a simultaneous blowing of horns and sirens from the fire department.

The National Fire Prevention Month is observed annually in pursuance to Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A promulgated by President Ferdinand Marcos. It aims to raise the level of public awareness of the ways to prevent destructive fires and save lives and properties.

The theme for this year's Fire Prevention Month is "Kaligtasan sa Sunog: Alamin, Gawin, at Isabuhay Natin."

City Councilor Danilo Caballero, in a proposed resolution No. 2015-09-3 filed before the city council, called on the 22 barangay chairmen in the city to conduct relative community awareness programs, particularly in the fire and burn prone areas, within their areas of jurisdiction.

"It is imperative to all government officials, particularly in the barangay level,  to conduct community awareness programs in highly susceptible or vulnerable areas, and mitigate fire as a hazard that may cause into severe man-made disaster if not prevented," Caballero said.

Meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City's Bureau of Fire Protection is also gearing up for fire prevention awareness and reminds the city residents to take necessary precautions for the upcoming summer, starting this month.

Since the country observes Fire Prevention Month, Chief Oscar Mayol said his department prepared several activities in promoting fire safety awareness.

"Most fire incidents occur during summer season, from March to May, because of heat," Mayol said in a recent press conference.

He added that since fire is an unforeseen event that destroys houses or establishments,  an individual should be aware and conscious about fire safety everyday.

"Every day is fire prevention day," the fire department chief said.

Fire mostly happens in residential structures, according to Mayol, and the common causes include unattended cooking, electrical short circuit and lighted candles.

Children left playing with match sticks also add to the risk of fire,  Mayol said.

In 2013, Mayol said that the city's BFP responded to 40 fire alarms with P3.59 million worth of damage in properties.

"Thirty-five fire alarms were recorded last year, with damages amounting to P1.025 million," Mayol added.

This year, four fire incidents were responded by the BFP.

Mayol said they have activities lined up this month such as fire and evacuation drills and lectures.

The activities will be conducted in different schools, commercial and industrial establishments.

"Fire inspection and trainings of barangay fire brigade members will also be heightened," he said.

Mayol explained that celebrating fire prevention does not mean people should apply the precautions only this time because this is, he said, a yearly activity that "raises public awareness."

"There should be deep appreciation of fire safety," Mayol said.