Alarmed by spate of fires, Tumulak wants all barangays to have own firetrucks

CEBU CITY, Philippines — The afternoon fire in Sitio Panagdait, Barangay Kasambagan on Sunday, January 26, 2020, was the third biggest fire in Cebu City for the first month of the year.

Prior to Kasambagan, a fire has destroyed properties and displaced families in Barangays Duljo Fatima and T. Padilla earlier in the month.

For Councilor David Tumulak, the chairperson of the council’s committee on disaster risk reduction and management, it is quite alarming that fires have become rampant in the city.

Tumulak said both the barangays and the household owners should be prepared in the event of a fire so quick response can lower the damages caused by the disaster.

And the councilor wants the barangays to have their own firetrucks for quicker response when a fire breaks without waiting for the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).

“The barangays can actually request firetrucks from the city so they can respond to fire themselves,” said Tumulak.

The councilor said that at least 8 barangays have become recipients of city-issued firetrucks including Barangays Kinasang-an, Bulacao, and Punta Princessa.

Aside from firetrucks, Tumulak said the barangays should stock up on dry fire hydrants that the interior portions of the barangay can use in the case of fire.

Finally, Tumulak urged the households to upgrade their electrical wiring to ensure that fire will not start from faulty wirings or short circuits.

The councilor reminded the public that fire is preventable with the necessary precaution, and if it should start, it can be contained through a quick response. /rcg