BY JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – With the holiday season approaching, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 emphasizes the need for heightened fire safety consciousness. The launch of its “Oplan Paalala” aims to mitigate fire and firecracker-related incidents, ensuring a safer celebration.
Fire Chief Superintendent Jerry Candido, director of BFP-6, stressed the importance of using quality Christmas lights.
He advised against the purchase and use of cheap, substandard lights, which significantly increase the risk of fires.
Lights bearing the Philippine Standard Quality and Import Commodity Clearance markings are recommended, as they comply with national safety and quality standards.
Another critical aspect of fire safety during the holidays is the proper management of Christmas lights. Candido advised the public to turn them off when leaving home or going to sleep, minimizing the risk of fire incidents due to unattended electrical decorations.
The prevention of firecracker-related incidents is also a key focus of “Oplan Paalala”. The BFP-6 urges the public to use firecrackers only in designated areas and streets, away from residential zones. Homeowners are advised to secure their homes by closing all openings to prevent damage from stray firecrackers.
Highlighting regulatory compliance, Candido noted that no firecracker manufacturers in Iloilo City have obtained the necessary safety certifications.
Even then, he said manufacturers must maintain a safe distance of at least 300 meters from residential areas and to secure certifications from the BFP, the Philippine National Police, and the local government.
Additionally, malls and department stores are prohibited from selling firecrackers.
This heightened focus on fire safety comes in the wake of a high number of firecracker-related injuries recorded in Negros Occidental in 2022, the highest in the region.
The Department of Health has launched a campaign to reduce these incidents, with Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray of the Department of Health – Region 6 noting that the majority of victims are young people, supplemented by cases involving intoxicated adults./PN
