This city’s Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has reported a lower number of fire incidents in the city for the first quarter of 2017.
The BFP noted 18 fire incidents in 2016 and only 3 non-index incidents amounting to P10,000 worth of damage had been reported since January 2017.
“Dito sa Mabalacat grass fires ang madalas na nirerespondehan ng ating mga firemen. Dahil sa fire safety education naging maagap at matalino na rin ang mga tao ngayon, kapag may sunog ay sila mismo ang nagkukusa na apulahin ito. Dati kasi kapag nakakita lang ng sunog ay agad na magpanic at aalis sa lugar habang hinihintay ang mga bumbero,” according to Mabalacat BFP Chief on Operations SFO3 Richard Medina.
With three overused fire trucks, one was purchased in the late 1980’s, Medina said the number of firemen on duty is sufficient to respond to fire incident in just 4-5 minutes depending on the location of the area.
The BFP is also assisted by fire volunteers Dee Hwa Liong Fire Volunteer stationed in Ninabel, Dau and non-government organizations such as LEHM, PARRDS and Kabalikat Civicom.
Meanwhile, City Fire Marshall Marilyn Buslig revealed the series of activities in celebration of the Fire Prevention Month this March.
By virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 115-A, the month of March was declared as Fire Prevention Month because of the alarming increase of fire incidents nationwide based on statistics.
This year’s theme is “Buhay at Ari-arian ay Pahalagahan, Ibayong Pag-iingat sa Sunog ay sa Sariling Pamamahay Simulan.”
On March 1-31, an intensified month-long fire safety awareness campaign will be conducted by the BFP personnel. This includes the ‘Ugnayan sa Barangay’ project wherein Berong Bombero (BFP’s official mascot) will lead the distribution of information materials, the conduct of fire prevention lectures, and emergency evacuation planning and fire drills.
All stations were also directed to do house visitation especially on congested and fire prone areas. Fire trucks will also be utilized to broadcast fire safety reminders to the community.
Berong Bombero is also set to visit public and private schools in the city to put emphasis on fire prevention through storytelling.
Drawing, poster-making, essay writing and photo competitions among schools are also the highlights of the observance of Fire Prevention Month.
“Ang napili naming school ay ang Doǹa Asuncion Lee Integrated School dito sa may Xevera. Elementary and high school students ang mga participants at kung sino man ang mananalo ay magrerepresent para sa Regional level,” Medina added.
Another highlight is the Barangay Fire Olympics joined by fire volunteers which will serve as a refresher training course set on March 17 at Mabiga Covered Court.
For his part, City Mayor Marino Morales with Sangguniang Panlungsod attested support to the fire prevention programs of the BFP.
The city government has procured a land area in Filhomes, Mabiga wherein the new Mabalacat City Fire Station will be put up.
The BFP emergency hot lines are: 0933-990-9960/ 331-2888. — Larrica Angela Veluz Cunanan