ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region 6 aims for a “zero firecracker- and fireworks-related fire incidents” during the holiday season up to the New Year 2025.
In the previous New Year’s celebration alone from December 31, 2023 to January 1, 2024, BFP-6 responded to 21 fire calls, which included 12 structural fires, eight sugarcane field fires, and one rubbish fire.
Fire Senior Inspector Michael Lopez of BFP-6 said their annual objective is to ensure no fire incidents occur due to firecrackers or fireworks, particularly during the New Year’s celebrations.
In line with this goal, it has partnered with the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6’s “Iwas Paputok Caravan Campaign,” which launched on November 8.
“Not just here in Iloilo City but across the region,” Lopez said.
BFP-6 has urged the public to purchase fireworks only from licensed and registered manufacturers, advising buyers to verify permits to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
The BFP also recommends storing firecrackers in secure locations, away from children and excessive heat, and advises against setting off fireworks while under the influence of alcohol.
In preparation for the holiday season, BFP-6 has begun conducting fire safety awareness campaigns in local barangays.
These include distributing flyers, holding dialogues, and using public address systems to remind manufacturers, especially those in Arevalo district, to register their businesses and adhere to safety protocols in firecracker production.
The BFP-6 is also encouraging the public to consider alternative noise-making options instead of fireworks to avoid potential accidents and injuries.
“We reach out to residents through our ‘Ugnayan sa Barangays’ initiative, reminding them that improper handling of firecrackers can lead to accidents, injuries, and fire incidents. During our dialogues and awareness drives, we advise them to refrain from using firecrackers altogether to prevent tragic accidents or fires,” Lopez said.
Fire marshals at city, provincial, and municipal levels were on duty on New Year’s Eve to implement all necessary precautions and respond to any emergencies swiftly.
Meanwhile, DOH-6 is aiming to raise awareness about safe and healthy celebrations this holiday season.
The early “Iwas Paputok” campaign launch followed an alarming trend in fireworks-related injuries in the region, according to DOH-6 director Dr. Adriano Suba-an.
Western Visayas last year recorded 294 cases of such injuries, including one fatality, from sentinel and non-sentinel sites – the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City, Iloilo Mission Hospital also in Iloilo City, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital in Bacolod City, and the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Santa Barbara, Iloilo.
Senior Health Program Officer Shem Wilfred Eledia highlighted an upward trend over the past five years:
* 2019 – 115 cases (47 sentinel, 68 non-sentinel)
* 2020 – 42 cases (9 sentinel, 33 non-sentinel)
* 2021 – 130 cases (27 sentinel, 103 non-sentinel)
* 2022 – 212 cases (36 sentinel, 176 non-sentinel)
* 2023 – 294 cases (37 sentinel, 257 non-sentinel)
The majority of injuries stemmed from blast and burn incidents, with no reported cases of stray bullets.
Notably, the top three firecracker types causing injuries were “kwitis,” “boga,” and “trianggulo.”/PN
