BFP launches events for ‘fire month’

FIRE PREVENTION MONTH. The Bureau of Fire Protection media forum at a mall in Legazpi City as part of its activities for the observance of Fire Prevention Month. The forum was participated in by members of the local media in Albay and members of the government communicators network. (Photo by Connie Calipay)

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Bureau of Fire (BFP) in Bicol urged the public to be more aware of the causes of fire incidents and to observe all safety measures, especially during the summer months as it launched on Monday, March 2, its activities for the observance of Fire Prevention Month.

The BFP called for intensified public awareness and involvement by conducting its first-ever media forum at a mall here participated in by the local media in Albay and members of the government communicators network for Bicol.

In his message, BFP-Bicol chief, Supt. Alberto de Baguio, said: “Fire is merciless, it takes away everything standing on its way, including people’s lives. This is why we have to be extremely careful with everything associated with fire. Our agency firmly emphasizes the importance of fire safety with this year’s observance which has the theme, ‘Matuto Ka, Sunog Iwasan Na’.”

He said their lined-up activities aimed to intensify the fire safety awareness campaign in the region.

“For the whole duration of Fire Prevention Month, the fire safety awareness campaign will be continuous. Leaflets, posters and other information materials will be distributed in different areas. We also prepared lectures on fire prevention, inspection of establishments, testing of fire hydrants, fire disaster emergency evacuation planning, fire drills, monitoring of all hazard operations, identification of fire-prone areas and conduct of pre-planning to areas identified, and Oplan Ligtas Paalala will be intensified,” de Baguio said. The BFP also provided tips to the public to prevent fire incidents.

“Be A-L-E-R-T. Always remember to have fire escape plan. If fire occurs in your home, get out, stay out and call for help and never go back inside for anything or anyone; Learn to apply safety precautions inside your houses; Educate yourself and your family regarding the different fire hazards and fire safety practices; Readiness to all fire and other catastrophic incidents is a must, personal safety is very important; and finally, Think and Act fast,” de Baguio said. (PNA)