ILOILO City – The Iloilo City Fire Station is on high alert for potential fire incidents during the 2024 Dinagyang Festival.
Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 director Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido emphasized this vigilance citing past Dinagyangs where significant fires broke out in commercial establishments or congested areas.
A former city fire marshal, Candido recalled a large fire in Barangay Tanza, Esperanza, Iloilo City in 2012 that destroyed at least 100 houses, and another in a downtown commercial building in 2014.
Candido reminded the public to be vigilant, especially those planning to attend the festival.
He stressed the importance of having someone at home to monitor plugged-in appliances and to guard against burglaries.
If all family members decide to attend the festival downtown, he advised unplugging all appliances and turning off the main switch to prevent electrical hazards.
He also suggested avoiding stocking perishable food that would require the refrigerator to run continuously, as refrigerators are common appliances that operate 24 hours a day.
Highlighting common causes of fires, Candido pointed out that unplugged electrical irons are one of the most frequent sources of house fires. He recalled an incident in Barangay Tanza where a forgotten iron left plugged in caused a major fire.
In addition to electrical safety, Candido also provided tips to prevent fires caused by charcoal or embers.
For households using a dirty kitchen, he advised ensuring no embers or charcoal are left burning before leaving.
He recommended turning off the regulator of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks and ensuring gas stoves are off.
Ideally, LPG tanks should be stored outside the house to reduce the risk of a fire spreading throughout the home.
He also cautioned against bringing cigarettes inside the house, particularly when returning from the Dinagyang celebration, as this could lead to accidental fires.
DEPLOYMENT STRATEGY
Two days before the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival 2024, the Iloilo City Fire Station’s deployment plan will be in place.
Candido explained that a week before the festival, many food stalls and bamboo barriers are set up on main streets, making it essential to position fire trucks in strategic areas early, particularly in the downtown center, to ensure a rapid response in case of a fire.
He noted that failing to pre-deploy fire trucks could hinder their ability to respond quickly due to obstructions like food stalls and ambulant vendors.
BFP-6 will also deploy fire trucks in congested areas of Iloilo City.
Two fire trucks from Leganes and Guimbal will be stationed at the Iloilo provincial capitol grounds to enhance readiness during the festival./PN
