First quarter record: Lesser fire-related cases in Cebu this year - BFP-7

CEBU, Philippines - From January to March this year, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP-7) has recorded lesser fire-related incidents in Cebu as compared to the same period last year.

The number of fire incidents in the province decreased from 156 last year to 145 this year.

Chief Insp. Ronaldo Orbeta, acting Cebu provincial fire marshal, said their records show that most causes of fire include unattended cooking stoves, cigarette butts, improper use of matches and lighters, and using butane canisters.

Orbeta said selling of butane canisters has been one of the problems of BFP-7 since selling such is not prohibited under the Fire Code of the Philippines.

The term canister is not mentioned anywhere in Republic Act 9514, or the Act Establishing a Comprehensive Fire Code of the Philippines repealing Presidential Decree No. 1185.

"So we are trying now to coordinate with the locals that there will be ordinances or i-amend jud ang Fire Code nga i-bawal ang butane canisters sa mga household," Orbeta said.

The Department of Energy said butane canisters are used only on a "one-time" basis and must never be refilled with LPG, which may result to accidents such as explosions and fire.

Last year, the BFP-7 recorded at least seven fire incidents caused by canister misuse. Three of the incidents happened in Cebu City, and two each in Lapu-Lapu City and Mandaue City.

Orbeta said the total cost of damage has increased though from last year's reported P21.5 million to P22.8 million in the first quarter of this year.

Aside from canisters, records of BFP-7 further show that most of the fire incidents were caused by faulty electrical connections.

"Pinakadako og porsyento sa fire incidents is electrical. We have from 145 fire incidents, magkuha 'ta og 82 is caused by electrical," Orbeta said.

He said BFP-7 will conduct fire safety lectures for the public. — (FREEMAN)