EDITORIAL - Fire prevention

It will be hot and humid this week, according to weather forecasters a fitting start to what is usually the hottest month of the year. Often the biggest number of fires is also recorded in March, prompting its declaration several decades ago as Fire Prevention Month.

On the first day of the month a fire destroyed 15 houses in Quezon City. Three minor fire incidents also broke out in Cebu, where city firefighters staged a parade and simultaneously sounded the horns of their trucks to mark the start of Fire Prevention Month.

The risk of fires is obviously higher in crowded urban centers. From Jan. 1 to Feb. 13 this year, 482 fire incidents have already been recorded by the Bureau of Fire Protection in Metro Manila alone. Firefighting operations have been hampered by the inadequacy of equipment, low water supply in some areas, and streets so narrow even mini fire trucks cannot squeeze in for a timely response.

As important as an effective response is prevention, which is the theme of the month. Every year the public is reminded about standard fire prevention measures, including care in handling candles, cooking gas tanks and electrical appliances, and being on alert for signs of faulty electrical wiring.

Building owners are also expected to comply with fire safety regulations, including the installation of fire exits and availability of fire extinguishers. Enforcement of fire safety rules, however, has been uneven. And no regulations exist in densely populated informal settlements, which account for many of the deadly fires.

Even the homes of the wealthy can be firetraps, however, especially when firefighters lack the equipment to quickly put out a blaze. The best way to avoid a tragedy is to take preventive measures, which is the message of this special month.