BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here reminded residents to stay alert and responsible in preventing fire incidents amid the widespread power outages caused by the onslaught of Typhoon “Tino.”
City Fire Marshal Fire Superintendent Jenny Mae Masip urged the public to observe fire safety measures, especially during prolonged brownouts.
Masip shared several fire safety tips to prevent untoward incidents during the power outage. She advised residents to use flashlights or battery-powered lamps instead of candles or gas lamps. If candles or gas lamps are necessary, these should be placed on sturdy surfaces away from flammable materials and must never be left unattended. She also reminded the public to unplug electrical appliances before power is restored to prevent short circuits or possible fires.
Masip further emphasized the proper use of generators by placing them outdoors, not inside the house, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and allowing them to rest and cool down to prevent overheating. She also urged everyone to keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach, avoid using mobile phones while charging, and stay alert while cooperating with authorities and neighbors, even when communication lines are limited.
“Let’s all remain vigilant, prepared, and fire-safe during this period of power outage and severe weather,” Masip said.
The reminder came after three fire incidents were reported in the city between the evening of November 5 and the early morning of November 6, which damaged or destroyed 23 structures, including a business establishment.
At around 10:26 p.m. on November 5, fire broke out at an accommodation establishment in Barangay 26 after its generator set malfunctioned, causing an estimated P15,000 in damage.
Another fire occurred around 10:56 p.m. in Barangay Banago, destroying 12 houses and damaging three others, with estimated losses reaching P100,000.
A third incident was reported at 12:38 a.m. on November 6 in Barangay Tangub, where five houses were destroyed and two others were damaged.
The BFP is still investigating the causes of the fires. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in all three incidents./PN
