LAOAG CITY, Mar. 31 (PIA) – To avoid fire-related incidents, Acting Provincial Fire Director, PMaj. Roxanne Parado of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ilocos Norte shared some measure on fire preventation and proper fire response.

According to Parado, with the observance of Fire Prevention Month, the BFP continues to conduct capacity building to fire personnel, barangay officials, and residents on how to handle fire-related incidents.

Parado shared that as of February, they have recorded 19 fires in the province.

Six of which were residential fires which was mostly caused by unattended cooking and electrical related.

“Lalo na ngayong summer, nagkakaroon ng overloading ng kuryente. Kapag mainit, maraming nagagamit na appliances, lalo na for cooling. Dapat nating iwasan ang octopus connection,” the Fire Chief said.

She also advised that larger appliances like refrigerator and air conditioning units be plugged on main sockets rather than on extension wires.

With the start of the dry season in the country, BFP also warns against burning waste.

“Iwasan natin ang pagsunog ng mga basura at mga damo, ilagay na lang sa tamang basurahan, nandiyan naman 'yong ating waste collectors. Mayroon na tayong naitalang apat na rubbish fires. 'Yong isa ay nasama 'yong kanyang bahay, so iwasan natin ito. Kahit maliit lang na apoy iyan, kapag napabayaan, in a matter of seconds or minutes pwedeng maging malaking apoy,” Parado said.

For business establishments, the BFP is conducting regular fire inspections to ensure the safety.

Parado also urged that all employees must be trained on proper fire response, especially in using fire extinguishers.

According to the Fire Chief, they are also forming the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) to train residents of far-flung barangays to be first responders in fire-related incidents in their communities. (JCR/AMB/EJFG, PIA Ilocos Norte)