BFP-Cebu City kicks off Fire Prevention month with activities

CEBU, Philippines — In order to strengthen awareness on fire protection and safety, the Cebu City Fire Station (CCFS) conducted a motorcade and ceremonial blowing of horns and sirens yesterday to officially launch Fire Prevention Month this March 2024.

Around 30 fire trucks from different fire stations in Cebu City, along with fire volunteers and other participants, joined in the opening of the month-long observation of Fire Prevention Month with the theme: “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa."

“This is very timely and relevant, kay ato gyung gi-encourage ang publiko sa paglikay nato sa sunog, wa mo mag-inusara. Naa inyong kabomberohan sa tanang panahon, sa kanunay’ng panahon andam mi motabang, mosuporta mohatag og mahinungdanon kaayo nga mga impormasyon aron malikayan nato ang sunog,” said Senior Fire Officer 2 Wendell Villanueva, information officer of the Cebu City Fire Station (CCFS) as he explained the theme of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) -7.

The event, which started at the South Road Properties around 9 a.m., was participated by two sectors, the north and south. The parade ended at the Pahina Central Fire Substation, where a short program and simulation drill was conducted.

The event did not only highlight the opening of Fire Prevention Month, but also to celebrate International Women’s Month.

To honor and recognize women firefighters, the simulation drill was executed by the all-women personnel of the Talamban Fire Substation. Also during the simulation, the firefighters utilized water that was purposely colored pink to give recognition and appreciation to women from all over the world.

Meanwhile, since most of the fire incidents they have responded to were caused by faulty electrical wiring, electrical misuse, and overloading, Villanueva asked the public to be mindful and cautious at all times.

“From time to time, atong e-revisit atoang mga electrical installation sa panimalay. Unya, kaning neglect noh, pahimangno nato sa publiko di ta mag-overnight charging. Ato gyud ng e-discourage na sya unya ayaw’g gamit aning de-kuryente nga appliances nga mga substandard kaayo,” the spokesperson said.

He also emphasized the importance of the public’s full cooperation in avoiding fire incidents, especially during Fire Prevention Month.

Further, the CCFS also has a lineup of activities for the month-long celebration, such as tree planting activities, essay writing, poster-making contests, roadshows in malls, and the Takbo Laban sa Sunog, among others.

Meanwhile, from January to February this year, the CCFS recorded 64 fire incidents, which accumulated over P39.2 million worth of damage to 64 structural and non-structural properties.

Thirty-seven of these fire incidents transpired in January, where there was one fatality and five injured individuals. For the February incidents, CCFS recorded four fatalities and 11 injured individuals.

This year’s data was higher compared to the incidents reported 2023 last year in the same timeframe, wherein 35 fire incidents were reported, which incurred P22.4 million worth of damages.

No fatalities were reported last year, with one individual who sustained injuries. (CEBU NEWS)