BFP records fewer fires during Christmas season

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-7 has recorded fewer fire incidents during the holiday season as compared to the previous year.

Fire Superintendent Vonrad Fernando Dobluis, BFP-7 assistant regional director for administration, said that they consider the executive order of President Rodrigo Duterte as one of the factors why fire incidents during Christmas and New Year's Day decreased.

"So far, light ra ang fire incidents as compared the other year," Dobluis said.

He said that the regional office did not receive any report of major fire incidents because of the implementation of EO 28 which regulates the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics.   The EO prohibits the use of firecrackers at home and local government units must designate an area where the use of firecrackers will be allowed.

Meanwhile, a turn over ceremony was held at BFP-7 yesterday as current fire officers relinquish their posts and assume office in new areas of assignments.

In the event, Dobluis reminded his fellow leaders of the BFP-7 to always serve the people without reservations.

?"They shouldn't take it as a hindrance to the performance of their official function but rather take it as a challenge to further improve their quality of service," he said.

Incoming Cebu City fire marshall, Chief Inspector Noel Nelson Ababon, said that they will take the fire incident in NCCC Mall in Davao, where 37 people died, as a major lesson for safety and security among establishments in the city.

"We have to intensify the enforcement of the Fire Code (of the Philippines)," he said.

He also said that among his plans is enhancing the barangay volunteers' capability since these people help the firemen and are the first responders in case of a fire incident in their respective communities.

Dobluis also said that the firefighters are ready for the Sinulog festival.

As part of their operation during celebration, BFP-7 will be dispatching firetrucks during the grand parade to respond to the needs of the people in case of emergency. (FREEMAN)