BACOLOD City – In response to increasing fire incidents, the city government has formed Task Force Red Zone to bolster disaster preparedness and fire risk mitigation.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced the formation through Executive Order No. 044, which aims to enhance the city’s capabilities in fire prevention, response, and mitigation strategies.
The decision to establish the taskforce follows a concerning uptick in fire-related emergencies in the city this year, compared to the previous year’s figures. These incidents have caused substantial damage to residential, commercial, and public properties, resulting in significant financial losses and negatively impacting the livelihoods of the residents.
The primary function of Task Force Red Zone will be to identify and assess fire-prone areas within the city through extensive data collection and analysis. This includes mapping high-risk zones and understanding property ownership whether government-owned, privately held, or otherwise. Additionally, the task force will develop targeted fire prevention and mitigation measures and conduct public awareness campaigns on fire safety.
Chaired by the chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Fire, Natural Disasters, and Calamities, with the local Bureau of Fire Protection head serving as the vice-chair, the task force includes members from various key city offices.
These include the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Office of the Building Official, Bacolod Housing Authority, and the City Planning and Development Office, among others.
Regular progress reports will be submitted to the Office of the Mayor to ensure the Task Force’s activities align with the city’s overall safety and disaster readiness goals./PN
