The most traumatic fire experience we ever had was the one that killed KC Perez de Venecia, daughter of our neighbor in Dasmariñas Village Speaker Jose de Venecia. She was trapped in her father’s house that had caught fire and the firemen outside could not go in to rescue her because they had not been furnished with the proper fire-resistant vestments. Since then we have said that the best way of observing National Information and Consciousness Month on Fire Prevention for Safety and Progress of the Nation is for each and every citizen to take maximum preventive measures to ensure that their homes are well-protected from fires. Last year, there were 10,726 fires nationwide. Another very unfortunate fire incident that we recall was the burning of the Ozone Disco Pub where 154 teenagers perished in the fire. What made the whole incident tragic is that the place was licensed for only 60 occupants, yet it was packed with 400 customers and the place did not even have a fire exit.
According to the records of the Bureau of Fire Protection, the destruction caused by fires is reaching an alarming proportion that is definitely affecting the economy and the progress of the nation. In the last five years, the BFP has estimated the damage to as high as P24.27 billion or an average loss of more than P13.29 million daily. This does not include the losses from cancelled financial opportunities that result in unemployment and damage to the environment. One of the aggravations is the marked presence of terrorists who plant explosives. This year we have had 1,000 fires as of February 26. It is us that can reduce the number of fires. And as we said earlier, we should begin in our homes with a regular checking of our electrical wiring. Fires cannot be totally eliminated. But they definitely can be reduced and minimized. Let us make Fire Prevention Month truly meaningful.