ILOILO – Following numerous fire incidents here and in other parts of Region 6, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) urged the public to adopt good housekeeping practices.
Fire Superintendent Bartolome Beliran, the provincial fire marshal for Iloilo, emphasized the increased risk of fires during the dry season, exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon.
The province has recorded various types of fires in recent months, including grass, forest, and structural fires.
With daily occurrences of grass fires attributed to small sparks and wind-blown embers, Beliran cited the importance of starting fire prevention at home through meticulous housekeeping.
Organizing items properly and disposing of waste correctly can prevent potential fire ignitions, he said.
Regular inspections of electrical appliances and wiring for damage or deterioration are also crucial to avoiding fires caused by electrical issues or short circuits.
He further recommended hiring registered electricians to ensure electrical systems are safe and up to standard.
Educating family members, especially children and seniors who are often fire victims, on good housekeeping and careful handling of appliances and electrical connections is vital for fire safety, according to Beliran.
He noted that children playing with matches or fire and the elderly’s vulnerability contribute significantly to fire incidents and fatalities. He stresses the importance of educating these groups on fire safety awareness.
Vigilance in appliance use, turning off unattended devices, and caution with potential fire sources like welding machine sparks and unattended bonfires are essential, according to Biliran.
He also advised households, especially those in multi-story buildings, to install fire extinguishers and fire alarm systems.
In the absence of fire extinguishers, buckets of water or sand can serve as alternatives, said Biliran.
Addressing challenges with water sources for firefighting during El Niño, Beliran welcomed water utilities designating fire hydrants for BFP use.
He acknowledges the issue of limited water sources in some municipalities, leading to the search for alternatives like deep wells.
Amid the high incidence of fires, BFP-Iloilo Province has requested local government units to conserve fire trucks for responding to fires, avoiding their use for non-emergency tasks such as flushing streets or watering plants./PN
