BFP on alert over spike in fire incidents

By Keren Anne Bernadas

Some 900 barangays with escalating number of fire incidents in Bicol region have been placed under strict monitoring, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) announced recently.

Inspector Liezel Lo, BFP Bicol spokesperson, said the bureau seeks to identify the root cause of ever-increasing fire incidents in residential areas of those barangays.

With the help of Oplan Ligtas Mamayan (OLP) program, the BFP will also try to bridge the gap by providing “holistic and scientific” solutions, Lo said.

The OLP responds to a “more adaptive, comprehensive, and immersive fire protection program for the communities and barangays,” Lo said.

As of June this year, a total of 1,247 barangays have participated in the program, where residents were trained in fire protection measures.

On top of that, the BFP continued to wage the KAISA advocacy campaign, where the bureau teamed up with local government units, non-government organizations, and other entities every month to rouse the public to act against the destructive fires.

As a rescue arm of the government, the BFP also provides typhoon season safety tips through its disaster preparedness and awareness measures:

Always pack an emergency ‘Go Bag’ Kit which includes important documents in a waterproof container, non-perishable food, a can opener, flashlights and radio with extra batteries, a first-aid kit, toiletries, and dry clothing and blankets.

Always monitor the news for weather updates, warnings, and advisories.

Check the integrity of your home and repair weak parts.

Put livestock and pets in safe areas or designated evacuation sites for animals.

Save emergency numbers on your phone.

The breakdown of the 900 villages: 181 in Albay; 297, Camarines Sur; 69, Camarines Norte; 80, Catanduanes; 114, Masbate; and 138, Sorsogon. (PIA 5)