CAMIGUIN (PIA)--As the summer season draws near, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Camiguin discusses fire prevention programs and safety tips in line with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month with the theme, "Pag-Iwas Sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa," during the March 7 Alerto radio program.

"Kung kawatan na, naa pa’y tendency marecover nato ang [gamit], ang sunog isa lang ka pamilok bitaw mawala, mahimo lang og abog ug aso ang atong mga gihigayonan sa pila ka tuig para makahimo ug balay– pila lang ka minuto o segundo. Kung dili ta magbantay, mahimo na siya og abo ug aso," Municipal Fire Marshall, SInsp Clement A. Talines said. 

(If there’s a thief, there’s a tendency that we could recover the [things], but if it’s a fire, then it can disappear in a blink of an eye; it turns to ash and smoke, our belongings and hard work—for how many years it took to build a house—will be gone in just a minute or second. If we’re not careful, it will turn to ash and smoke) 

When it comes to safety precautions, Talines told people to keep their homes clean, keep flammable items out of reach of children, unplug chargers from electronic devices, and be careful when using candles.

According to him, it is equally important to educate the public on the ABC classifications of fire: type A are ordinary combustible materials that can be easily extinguished with water, type B are flammable materials that can be put out with a wet cloth, and type C are those with electrical compositions that require a fire extinguisher.

When there is a fire, FBFP Camiguin Chief ESFO1 James Ian Cabana also tells people not to panic and to call for help right away.

The bureau also runs large programs like Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan, which use leaflets, posters, and other campaign materials to teach the public how to prevent fires and what to do if one breaks out.

Aside from that, basic firefighter training is given to volunteer groups such as the Community Fire Auxiliary Group (CFAG) to lend a hand to first responders before they arrive at the site.

In case of fire reports or emergencies,one may call the Mambajao fire station hotline at 09266581035. (GKND/PIA-10/Camiguin)