ILOILO City – Alarm bells rang across major streets here Sunday as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Iloilo City officially opened Fire Prevention Month with a warning: March remains one of the most fire-prone periods of the year, with 74 barangays now classified as high-risk.
The kickoff on March 1 at the Iloilo City Fire Station in Barangay Veterans Village was marked by a citywide motorcade, simultaneous sounding of fire engine sirens, and a strong call for households to tighten safety practices amid rising fire incidents.
“According sa statistics naton, ini nga bulan ang may dako nga insidente sang sunog, not only in Iloilo City, not only in the whole Panay, but across the country. Maging mahinalunghon kita, vigilant sa pang gawi naton sa panimalay para malikawan naton ang sunog,” said Fire Superintendent Melanie Habawel, city fire marshal.
This year’s theme, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” underscores shared accountability in preventing fires, particularly in residential areas where most incidents occur due to electrical faults.
“Fire prevention is a shared responsibility, a collective effort from every individual and every household para malikawan ang sunog sa aton nga panimalay,” Habawel stressed.
74 HIGH-RISK BARANGAYS
Habawel disclosed that fire-prone areas in the city are categorized into red (high risk), orange (medium risk), and yellow (low risk) zones, with 74 barangays falling under the high-risk classification.
Narrowed roads and sagging cables further complicate emergency response, she said, urging communities to help maintain clear access routes for fire trucks.
CLEAR SAFETY CAMPAIGN
To strengthen public awareness, the BFP introduced the “CLEAR” acronym to help residents remember essential fire safety measures:
* C – Check and Unplug: Inspect and unplug electrical appliances, especially kitchen stoves.
* L – Light Candles Responsibly: Keep candles stable and away from flammable materials.
* E – Ensure Clear Exits: Maintain unobstructed escape routes.
* A – Always Keep Homes Clutter-Free: Reduce fire load by properly storing items.
* R – Remember Emergency Plans: Ensure all family members know evacuation procedures.
“In case may fire, unahon ang PWDs (persons with disability) naton, bata, kag tigulang and don’t attempt to go back if naka gwa na kita sa burning area,” Habawel added.
CITYWIDE ACTIVITIES LINED UP
The month-long observance includes:
* March 3–5: BFP Fire Square Roadshow at SM City Iloilo focusing on disaster preparedness and life-saving techniques, especially for children and vulnerable groups.
* Art and poetry contests: Schools will host creative competitions to promote fire safety awareness.
* March 30: A “Fire Olympics” featuring volunteer brigades from across the city.
Habawel assured residents that firefighting resources in Iloilo City are adequate, with neighboring towns and volunteer federations ready to provide reinforcement during “challenge scenarios.”
The kickoff was attended by representatives from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Armed Forces of the Philippines, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, hospitals, schools, and other stakeholders.
March is designated as Fire Prevention Month in the Philippines under Presidential Proclamation No. 115./PN