ILOILO City – The Bureau of Fire Protection in Region 6 (BFP-6) is eyeing zero firecracker-related injuries come the holiday season.
So far, no reported incidents have been recorded, according to BFP-6 director, Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido.
Last year, with the holidays silenced by the coronavirus pandemic, no firecracker-related injuries were reported, said Candido.
BFP-6 encouraged the public to take an extra precaution, or much better ditch firecrackers.
Candido also warned firecracker manufacturers not to display or sell firecrackers in their homes.
“Firecracker sellers must display their items in designated areas as prescribed by the local government unit,” he said.
Candido said BFP would inspect designated areas and monitor sellers’ compliance with the Fire Code.
BFP-6 required kiosks to be a few meters away from each other.
They must also have fire extinguishers, sand on standby and other fire extinguishing equipment.
Firecrackers on display must be covered. Smoking is prohibited near the kiosks.
“Pauntaton namon baligya kon wala sila nagasunod sang aton requirements kag kuhaon ta ila paninda kag ibalik sa ila with receipts,” Candido said.
He added that they are strictly imposing the requirements to avoid another 1997 Bacolod City fire.
“It was really a war zone. Indi naton gusto matabo ina diri,” he added.
He also advised the public not to buy substandard Christmas lights and decorations to avoid fire accidents.
“Kon substandard delikado gid. Usually, mabakal kita sang barato pero indi naman safe. For our safety, buy as prescribed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),” Candido added.
The product should bear a Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, according to Felisa Judith L. Degala, director of DTI in Iloilo.
These serve as the consumers’ guide and assurance that what they purchase are certified quality, safe and products conforming to the relevant Philippine National Standards.
Those without the markings or stickers could pose risk to consumers, she added.
BFP-6 has been on alert since Dec. 1.
“We have no vacation leave. Magalibot kita to inform or remind the public nga mag halong gid. We will celebrate Christmas and New Year safely,” Candido said./PN
