SunStar Bacolod, November 10, 2006
THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has heightened its campaign against fire incidents in preparation for the Christmas and the New Year's Day celebrations.
Deputy Fire Marshal Arnold Alba, in an interview Thursday, hopes that the BFP thrust for Pro-Safe (Promotion of Safety Against Fire Emergency) will motivate Bacolodnons to observe fire safety measures.
Alba cited the blaze that killed the youngest daughter of House Speaker Jose de Venecia, Ma. Kristina Casimira, on December 17 last year.
A string of Christmas lights coiled around the main staircase was said to have caused the fire inside the de Venecia mansion.
With this, Alba advised the public to switch off all electrical Christmas decors before sleeping or leaving their respective houses.
"If you're leaving your house during the holiday make sure to unplug all appliances and always have all LPG button closed," Alba said.
He also advised parents to watch their children and not allow them to play with fireworks.
"Don't burn rubber tires or make bonfires on the streets. It is safer to throw an unlighted firecracker into a drum with fire inside.
Holding pyrotechnic materials while lighting it is a big no no as it will only cause harm," Alba said.
"We also advise the public not to pick up or hold firecrackers that failed to explode. Flying firecrackers should always be lighted on open ground pointing straight up," he added.
Alba said that every household must have a pail of water all the time as they may come in handy.
But above all, Alba said the cooperation of both the public and the private sectors are needed to maintain a fire-free zone in Bacolod.
"Rest assured that the BFP is doing its best to be effective and efficient in delivering services to the people," Alba said.
