Belmonte forms task force on fire prevention

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has created a task force on fire prevention after several fire incidents struck the city this month.

Belmonte said the Task Force on Fire Prevention and Preparedness, in coordination with utility companies Manila Electric Co., Manila Water and Maynilad, would create policies and programs on fire prevention.

The task force will also work with the city council to craft a local Fire Safety Code, according to Belmonte.

She encouraged residents to participate in fire drills and take safety precautions to prevent fires.

“We can prevent fire in our communities if we observe safety precautions in our own homes,” Belmonte said.

Councilor Ranulfo Ludovica, chairman of the city council’s committee on public order and safety, said he would propose legislation on fire safety and prevention.

Based on the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)’s data over the past five years, the leading causes of fire were electrical ignition followed by open flames attributed either to unattended cooking or unattended candles.

On Saturday, Belmonte handed financial assistance to fire victims in Barangays Baesa and Obrero together with the Social Services Development Department.

Fire hits Camp Aguinaldo

Meanwhile, at least P12 million worth of property was destroyed after a fire hit the main camp of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Arson probers said the fire at Camp Aguinaldo originated at the barracks of the AFP Headquarters Supply Group.

In Caloocan, a fire gutted a house along Hyacinth street in Barangay 179 yesterday.

Five fire trucks responded to the scene.

There were no casualties during the incident, according to the BFP. – Emmanuel Tupas, Ghio Ong