BY JEN BAYLON
BACOLOD City – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in this city has reported a surge in fire incidents of over 50 percent from January to February this year, compared to the same period last year.
Fire Chief Inspector Stephen Jardeleza, the city fire marshal, noted a total of 72 fire incidents, with 32 resulting in minimal damage, in the first two months of this year.
This figure is more than double the 30 fire calls, including 14 cases of minimal damage, recorded in the same period in 2023.
Out of the 72 incidents, 28 were categorized as structural fires.
Jardeleza identified electrical-related issues as the most common cause of fires, accounting for 19 percent.
The damage caused by fires was estimated at P16 million, marking a significant increase from the P904,000 worth of damage recorded from January to February 2023.
In observance of Fire Prevention Month, Jardeleza urged the community to be doubly diligent in safeguarding their homes by avoiding the overloading of electrical circuits, using approved cooking fuels, and ensuring proper maintenance of electrical lines.
“We continuously advocate for heightened vigilance in the home… Let’s protect our property, family, and other loved ones. The current dry conditions and strong winds, along with high temperatures, make materials more susceptible to ignition,” Jardeleza said in an interview with Panay News.
He added that the city fire bureau, in collaboration with the city government, remains vigilant and dedicated to its mission during this critical period marked by numerous fire incidents.
This year’s Fire Prevention Month theme is “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa.”
To kick off, the BFP-Bacolod City organized a caravan yesterday, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and urging the public to take necessary precautions to prevent fires.
To address the rising trend of fire incidents in the city, the city fire bureau has planned several activities for the month. These include continuous online posting of fire safety tips and the hosting of symposiums and training sessions in partnership with barangays.
Additionally, a bloodletting activity is scheduled for March 3 in Barangay Granada. There will also be poster-making and drawing contests for elementary and high school students on March 5, an open house at the Bacolod City Central fire station on March 11, a fire drill on March 13, and a kiddie fire show from March 15 to 16.
The 2nd Mayor Albee Benitez Barangay Fire Olympics will be held at the Bacolod old airport on March 18, followed by a coastal cleanup and mangrove planting activity in Barangay Punta Taytay on March 22./PN
