Fire Prevention and Safety
Is Community-based
“Programs and Initiatives of the Bureau Of Fire Protection in Fire Prevention” was the recent topic in Kapihan held at NVC Carmen Hotel. The guests were Fire Insp. Dione M. Torre, OIC Kalibo Fire Marshall, FO2 Andri Van Rowan and FO2 Vicente M. Neptuno all from Kalibo Fire Station, Kalibo, Aklan.
Insp. Torre mentioned that March is declared Fire Prevention month based on PD 115-A citing the most number of fire outbreaks in the Philippines. In Kalibo last year, there were 28 fire incidents, 23 of them occurred in residential areas. The majority of those cases were in fire-prone areas like at C. Laserna, J. Magno Extn. And Mabini Extn.
Uncontrolled fires result to loss of lives and millions of pesos in property damages. We at the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) employ two strategies which are: 1. fire prevention, and 2. fire suppression. Undeniably, the best option is to combat fires by preventing its occurrence, said Torres.
FO2 Rowan cited the strict implementation of RA 9540 or Fire Code of the Philippines, which is embodied in the National Building Code. It includes the use of fire proof materials (bricks, asbestos, steel) fire exits, escape plan, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher and fire escape ladder. “From time, to time we conduct inspection of public buildings, commercial establishments and residential houses to determine whether they are compliant of the law,” underscored Fireman Rowan.
Majority of fires occurs because of Human carelessness. Smoking in bed, lighted candles, unwatched cooking stove and overloaded electrical outlets have disastrous consequences. In Kalibo, BFP has only four serviceable fire trucks and 14 personnel who serve not only Kalibo but also Libacao, Madalag, and Banga. The optimum ratio is one fireman per 2,000 populations. Hence, for Kalibo alone we need to have nine more personnel are needed in order to fill the gap. Fire brigades must be organized and strengthened by LGU’s. By administrative fiat, LGU’s PNP and BFP are under the Department of Interior and Local Government.
BFP operational procedure is to assign 14 firemen per fire truck to address 2 work shifts of night and day, disclosed FO2 Neptuno. A fire truck normally is equipped with 50 meter fire hoses but can be coupled with each other to reach narrow alleys/pathways.
This year, the BFP has adopted the theme, “Kaligtasan sa Sunog Alamin, Gawin at Isabuhay Natin.” Activities slated are: fun run, physical fitness at Pastrana Park, visit of grade schools to Kalibo Fire Station, Info drive over radio, TV, fire drill, and inspection of buildings and residential houses.
Being a fireman is considered one of the dangerous occupations in the world because their job is helping trapped people inside houses, cars and factories. Some are killed or injured while performing their duties. It is sad to note that Aklan, a billionaire province does not have the minimum number of fire trucks and personnel to respond effectively to fire outbreaks and to conduct education campaign on fire safety.
Marshal Torres admits that there are only six complete sets of fire protection gear. Standard uniform issued are: special clothing knee length vests, gloves, boots, helmet and masks. Other equipments are pneumatic jacks, dilators, chainsaw, bolt cutters and ropes.
To combat fire in high rise buildings, firemen need not only ordinary fire trucks but ladder trucks. The Fire Department must have communication equipment for making calls and requests.
Kalibo, the provincial capital town of Aklan unfortunately has no Volunteer Fire Brigade and Fire truck unlike in other cities of Roxas, Iloilo and Bacolod. Yes, the local Government Unit has not tapped the resources of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Rotary Clubs, Philippine Medical Association and other civic groups. Fire fighting and prevention rest on any able-bodied citizen since it is a civic duty.
Some simple tips to follow in case of fire: a) Leave the building immediately, b) Never open a door that feels hot, c) Crawl on the floor when going through a smoking area, d) Do not run if your clothes catch fire, and d) Do not return to the building for any reason.
Fire safety is the best deterrent to fire outbreaks. Knowledge gained during fire drills, seminars and demonstrations could be invaluable in preventing and controlling fires. It is best to be alert, know the emergency measures and not to panic during disaster. A significant number of human casualties is due to smoke inhalation, falling wooden planks, collapsing concrete wall and jumping from high rise buildings. Presence of mind is a must. /MP
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