Manila Bulletin, Dec. 30, 2005
Interior and Local Government Secretary Angelo Reyes announced yesterday that all Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officials and personnel had been placed on alert in anticipation of fire incidents that could occur during the New Year’s eve festivities.
Citing a report from the BFP, Reyes said that in Metro Manila alone, 17 ambulances and 116 fire trucks have been deployed to effectively and swiftly respond to emergency situation and fire incidents.
"We want our BFP officers and personnel to be on their toes before, during and after the New Year’s festivities so that they can effectively and immediately respond to fire incidents that may occur during those times," Reyes said.
To ensure readiness of the BFP, Reyes said all vacation leaves of its personnel had been canceled during the period, even as the Bureau has already coordinated with volunteer fire brigades nationwide for a team up in putting out fires.
The DILG Secretary expressed optimism the BFP’s readiness will help mitigate the impact of fire incidents that may occur during the festivities.
BFP records show that in Metro Manila, a total of 43 fire incidents had been recorded in Metro Manila since Dec. 1, which is still lower compared to the same period last year were there were 66 conflagrations recorded.
"We want this figure to go down this coming year, that is why we are doing everything in order to make out men and equipment ready and able to respond to fire incidents," he stressed.
Likewise, Reyes reminded the public to observe the following preventive measures prepared by the BFP to avoid fire and accidents that maybe caused by pyrotechnics:
* Do not buy banned firecrackers like pla-pla, super lolo and other highly-explosive firecrackers;
* Never light firecrackers inside the house;
* Never hold firecrackers while lighting it;
* Do not burn rubber tires or make bonfires in the streets;
* Never pick up or hold a firecracker that failed to explode;
* Do not allow children to keep firecrackers in their pockets, keep these away from fire or any heat source;
* Store firecrackers in a safe place away from combustible materials;
* Wear close fitting clothes of thick materials instead of loose or flimsy garments;
* Keep a pail of water handy to put out fire or as first aid for minor burns;
* After the celebration, douse all firecracker remains with water and sweep them away.
