21 fires a day in 2008, says BFP

MANILA, Philippines - The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recorded a total of 7,726 fires nationwide, or more than 21 a day, last year.

The fires destroyed some P3.093-billion worth of property and claimed 179 lives.

Of the total, 3,328 fires took place in Metro Manila, destroying property worth more than P840 million.

SFO4 Dante Navea of the BFP Intelligence and Investigation Division told The STAR that faulty electrical wiring was the cause in 2,359 incidents, while 1,414 others remain under investigation.

The 2008 incidents, however, were 15 percent lower than the 9,042 cases recorded in 2007.

In releasing this information, the BFP called on the public to observe measures to prevent fires as it kicks off Fire Prevention Month today.

This year’s theme is “Fire safety: A challenge, concern and priority for everybody.”

Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno has underscored the need for the BFP to step up its fire suppression and prevention campaign, and be always on alert to be able to respond to fires promptly.

Puno said the fire bureau must ensure the readiness and alertness of its officers and personnel, especially in summer, to effectively and quickly respond to reports of fires anywhere in the country.

“The only way to save precious lives and property during fire incidents is for our men and women in the field to be prepared and ready at all times, and for us to further improve our response time during such an emergency,” he said.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government, through the BFP, has prepared a program of activities to kick off the observance of Fire Prevention Month in Metro Manila. 

Parades featuring firemen in fire trucks and emergency medical service ambulances, and volunteer fire brigades with the bureau’s mascot Berong Bumbero will go around during the launching ceremonies, which includes a fun run.

Other activities like poster-making contest, on-the-spot essay writing contest, on-the-spot drawing contest in different SM Malls and an oratorical contest at the Ramon Magsaysay High School in Quezon City will be held.