Losing angels

The fire that struck over the weekend was tragic. It razed only 20 houses or so, but it claimed the lives of three little angels aged 6, 4, and 3. Their young and innocent lives were taken by flames. Despite neighbors trying desperately to save the young ones, their frail bodies couldn’t withstand the smoke and intense heat. Authorities reported that the children's cadavers were found seemingly hugging each other in their final moments. An investigation later revealed that the children had been left alone with no adult supervision.

The incident brings forth many "what ifs". What if one of the parents had stayed behind to look after them? What if there were no flammable objects nearby that could have sparked the fire? These are questions impossible to answer and difficult to reconcile with. But while "what ifs" stir up a great deal of sorrow, they also underscore the need for deeper discussions on fire safety, especially in our communities. It's easy to point fingers and engage in the blame game, but that serves no one. The reality is this tragic presents a hard but valuable lesson that calls for proactive change.

It is high time local government units pay closer attention to empowering their communities, making them more aware of fire safety and disaster preparedness. While the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) does commendable work in terms of firefighting, their work should be complemented by educational initiatives focused on disaster preparedness in schools. Some model cities and towns across the country already demonstrated their passion for disaster awareness by ensuring that fire safety and emergency response concepts are introduced to children as young as those in preparatory school. Once these lessons become ingrained, they become lifelong knowledge and values. It's not only important for the survival of these children in the future but for the well-being of the community.

Moreover, it is equally essential that buildings and structures are held to the highest safety standards. Fire and safety inspections shouldn’t be viewed as mere formalities to secure a permit or to ensure smooth operations; they must be seen as life-saving measures. Inspections conducted by the Office of the Building Official and the BFP should be thorough and meticulous, focused on preventing incidents and recommending improvements, such as proper wiring placements, fire exits, and the installation of fire alarms. These measures play a vital role in protecting lives, and their importance cannot be overstated.

In light of this heartbreaking tragedy, we must realize there’s nothing we can do to bring back those three little angels. Their loss is immeasurable, and their absence leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew them. However, their untimely passing serves as a tough but crucial lesson for us all --one that should propel us into action. We must work together to ensure that such tragedies do not repeat themselves.