CEBU CITY, Cebu, March 2 (PIA) -- With this year’s theme “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi ka Nag-iisa,” the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 7 is reminding the public to be cautious and responsible at home and in the workplace as fire safety is everyone’s concern. 

BFP7 Regional Operations Division Chief Supt. Raul Bustaliño disclosed during the Kapihan sa PIA interview that the BFP together with the local government units will hold fire drills and symposia in the different barangays through the Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan (OLP).

The OLP has been re-enforced after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

House-to-house surveys, distribution of fire safety leaflets, hazard mapping, and live announcements on wheels or rekorida will also be done in the communities, rural and urban villages, and barangays, said Bustaliño. 

For 2022, the BFP7 recorded a total of 974 fire incidents nationwide.

Damages caused by fire incidents in Central Visayas logged around P771 million in 2022, an increase by more than 100% compared to 2021 where the damages were reported to be around P353 million.

Bustaliño added that electrical ignition caused by arcing is the common cause of fire from 2020 to 2022.

He said this is due to the increased use of home appliances as activities resumed in the localities. 

Proper use of electricity, no octopus connections, proper handling of LPG tanks, proper usage of standard electrical wires, and practicing good housekeeping were some of the fire safety tips shared by BFP7.

“Fire extinguisher is our first line of defense for both homes and establishments," said Bustaliño. 

“We encourage everyone to participate and to be involved. Fire is a time element, so be proactive in reporting fire incidents,” he added. (MYP/PIA7)