ILOILO City – Fire personnel across Western Visayas were ordered to rigorously enforce minimum fire safety requirements in designated areas for the sale of fireworks and other pyrotechnics to ensure the adherence of retailers and manufacturers.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 director Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido said on Thursday, Dec. 28, that standby personnel should lead the implementation of a no-smoking policy, prohibit the testing of firecrackers in designated areas, and disallow anything that could potentially cause even a minor spark.
The designated areas should be non-populous and far from residences. The kiosks should have fire safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, water, and sand, on standby.
According to data from the Office of Fire Safety Enforcement Division of the BFP-6, a total of 772 business establishments in the region have been issued Fire Safety Inspection Certificates (FSIC) for meeting all requirements and permits related to the sale, manufacturing, and distribution of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.
The manufacturing and selling of these items are strictly confined to areas designated by the concerned local government units (LGUs).
Candido explained that before the issuance of the certificate, a site inspection will be conducted to determine compliance with the fire safety code.
“Dapat ang gina-aplayan nga baligyaan is sa designated area sang LGU, or if in cities, sa designated area sang aton mayor. Otherwise, indi namon sila pag-isyuhan sang fire safety inspection certificate,” he said.
What Happens to Firecrackers Sold Outside of Designated Zones?
Candido acknowledged that in past years, some vendors sold firecrackers in Iloilo City’s downtown area, public markets, malls, and other congested areas around the region.
If the BFP chances upon firecrackers being sold in non-designated areas during their regular patrolling and monitoring, they will take these to the fire station. The establishment or stall will be issued with a receipt.
The retailers may claim the firecrackers and pyrotechnics once they prove to the BFP that they have a proper facility that meets the fire safety code.
“Gina-remind ko lang ang publiko nga kon kamo indi sa designated area, i-abate namon ang inyo baligya. Sa BFP, we are required nga mag-issue sang resibo. Amo na ang proof sang tag-iya kon gusto niya nga bawion, puede bawion provided may ara storage area nga naga-comply sang fire safety requirments,” said Candido.
But he reminded that, “Next time kon madakpan, we will impose a fine and probably file a criminal complaint kay intentional na.”
Firecracker selling is prohibited in convergence points and congested areas because a lot of people will be affected in case something happens.
But the BFP allowed sellers in congested areas like malls, markets and downtown area to display pictures and video materials of the firecrackers being sold. Once the buyer decides, only then can the vendor take it out of storage.
“Sa aton sa downtown damo pa na nagabaligya sa kilid-kilid. Na-istorya na namon sila and na-warning-an. So, pasensyahanay lang gid kami kon lubagon pa gid nila ang amon warning. You know naman ang downtown naton kagamay sang dalan kag damo tawo; once gani nga may matabu, madamo sang ma-injure,” Candido explained.
Because of this, authorities are urging the public to be cooperative and supportive of the BFP and PNP’s mandate regarding firecrackers to avoid any risk. Smoking near firecrackers and pyrotechnics is also highly discouraged to avoid fire.
As part of the BFP’s Oplan Iwas Paputok campaign, BFP-6 has maintained heightened alert status since Dec. 23, 2023./PN
