BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city expressed alarm over the number of fire incidents here.
Sixteen incidents were recorded this month alone, according to BFP-Bacolod City fire marshal Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza.
Jardeleza, in a radio interview yesterday, said nine of the fire incidents were “electrical in nature.”
He added that the Dec. 23 fire incident in Purok Boli, Barangay 1 was caused by an exploding butane canister. At least five houses were completely destroyed while one suffered extensive damage.
Following this, Jardeleza reminded the public anew that a butane canister can only be used once and should never be refilled from an unregistered refilling station or dealer.
Based on records from both the city government and the city’s BFP, there are currently no registered refilling stations for butane canisters in the city, and there is only one manufacturer tagged as an authorized dealer.
In response to the BFP’s findings, the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Office, together with the City Legal Office, conducted a surprise inspection of stalls at the Burgos Public Market yesterday morning.
Those caught selling butane canisters were issued with a notice of violation and their canisters were seized.
Unauthorized selling and refilling of butane canisters is punishable with a fine amounting to P3,000 to P5,000 based on City Ordinance No. 885, series of 2019.
Under the said ordinance, the use of butane canisters is also only limited for outdoor use and not advisable to refill canisters due to safety reasons. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
