ILOILO City – Despite lacking its own aerial ladder truck, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here has insisted on its readiness to respond to high-rise fires following a recent third-alarm blaze at a hotel that caused an estimated P6.86 million in damages.
City Fire Marshal Melanie Habawel assured the public that Iloilo City’s fire responders are equipped and trained for emergencies in multi-storey structures, even as the city continues to witness a vertical construction boom.
“Iloilo City is prepared for all fire emergencies that may happen in the city, including in high-rise buildings,” she said.
Although BFP-Iloilo City currently has no aerial ladder of its own, coordination with volunteer fire brigades has proven essential, she stressed.
“We are blessed because our two volunteer fire brigades in the city have this capability. We work hand in hand,” she said, citing the Federation Fire Iloilo and the Iloilo City Action Group (ICAG).
According to Habawel, Federation Fire’s ladder truck can reach up to the 13th floor, while ICAG’s ladder can access up to the fifth floor and is equipped with a rescue basket for evacuations.
“They operate their ladder trucks while one of our firefighters and one of theirs climb together during external firefighting operations,” she added.
The June 6 hotel fire, which struck the fourth-floor stockroom of Westown Hotel in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao district, tested the city’s firefighting capabilities. Thick smoke from foam materials made it difficult to control the blaze, which was declared under control at 12:31 p.m. and completely extinguished by 12:45 p.m. Several hotel staff and firefighters sustained minor injuries but are now in stable condition.
Habawel acknowledged that operational challenges persist, especially in buildings still under construction.
“The problem is if the building is still under construction, because we expect that they haven’t installed fire protection systems yet. That’s what happened a few years ago. We had to manually carry and lay out our hoses up to the 11th floor,” she recalled.
Habawel disclosed that the city government is already taking steps to procure its own ladder trucks to match the city’s rising skyline. In the meantime, she underscored the importance of fire prevention and compliance.
“High-rise buildings, condominiums, and BPOs must all comply with fire protection system requirements. This is a big help in case of fires. Additionally, we train them through fire drills and simulation exercises to mimic real scenarios,” she stressed.
Habawel also lauded the dedication of fire volunteers. “So far, our fire volunteers prioritize fire response, even for grassfires. Historically, fire response has always been their priority.”
As vertical development accelerates in Iloilo City, Habawel emphasized that public awareness and preparedness remain vital. “We’re ready, but prevention and awareness are still our strongest tools.”/PN
