‘Berong Bumbero,’ the mascot of Bureau of Fire Protection Central Visayas (BFP 7) waves at passersby during the caravan which opens the observance of the Fire Prevention Month this March. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
WITH March declared as Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has listed measures to minimize and immediately respond to fire incidents.
Senior Supt. Ismael Codilla, regional director of BFP in Central Visayas, told Cebu Daily News that they will tap swimming pools in residential subdivisions and hotels in case they run out of water supply.
“During a drought, the water supply is expected to be depleted. In the event that we get too little from our existing hydrants in Cebu City, we can use water from swimming pools. We already tapped village owners who have one,” said Codilla.
He did not identify the residential subdivisions and hotels that have agreed to supply water in case of fire.
In Cebu City, Chief Insp. Rogelio Bongabong said they will conduct a house-to-house campaign for proper electrical wiring in fire-prone areas.
Bongabong said they have initially identified the highly congested barangays of Mambaling, Lahug, Mabolo and Sawang Calero as fire-prone areas.
“What we need is good housekeeping. We should be aware of things that might cause fire like faulty wiring,” Bongabong said.
Codilla, for his part, said fire prevention is everyone’s concern.
“We should always think that fire prevention is everyone’s concern. We cannot do it alone,” he said.
BFP 7 yesterday held its annual fire truck caravan around Cebu City to increase awareness about March as Fire Prevention Month.
This year’s theme is “Kaalaman at Pagtutulungan ng sambayanan, kaligtasan sa sunog makakamtan.”
A fire drill also took place in front of the BFP 7 building, where fire fighters simulated a rescue operation.
“We are strengthening our preparation especially with the capabilities and fighting apparatuses that we have. That is why our fire stations are conducting drills, enhancing skills and also training barangay tanods to help in response,” said Codilla.
BFP 7 recently received eight new fire trucks from the BFP national headquarters and Department of Interior Local Government (DILG).
Four fire trucks went to Bohol province, three to Cebu and one to Siquijor.
Codilla said there are a total of 142 fire trucks in the region.
But in Cebu, 13 out of 44 towns still have no fire stations for lack of budget.
These towns are Alcantara, Alegria, Badian, Ronda, Asturias, Madridejos, Santa Fe, Borbon, Catmon, Pilar, Alcoy, Santander and Tabogon.