BFP celebrates fire prevention month

THE Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Baguio City opened March with a Unity Walk to celebrate the National Fire Prevention Month.

The BFP’s Oplan Iwas Sunog, with the theme “Sunog at Sakuna Paghandaan Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan nang Matamasa ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan,” instills to the citizenry the importance of safety by influencing them to get involved since fire prevention is everybody’s concern.

March was declared as Fire Prevention Month because of the alarming increase of fire incidents nationwide being the hottest month of the year.

According to BFP assistant regional director Angelico Albert Buyayo, this year’s activity is anchored on fire safety at home.

BFP statistics reveal that most of the affected during structural fires are residential areas.

In 2012, there are a total of 51 fire incidents recorded inside Baguio City where most of them are recorded as for residential use.

One of the main highlights of the planned activities is the house-to-house Fire Safety Inspection to be held from March 7 to 31, during which BFP personnel will conduct ocular visits inside houses and educate residents on exit drills and the proper use of fire extinguishers.

The BFP will also conduct a three-day open house from March 8 to 10 on all fire stations to be carried out by inviting school children to showcase equipment and accessories held by firemen.

Other activities lined-up this month are Berong Bombero sa Paaralan on March 4 to 8; BFP-SOPI Fire Safety Olympics on March 5; Fire Prevention Games and Contest - March 11; BFP Fire Olympics - March 18; Fire Safety Awareness Campaign - March 25-31; and culminating program on April 1. (Mark Pasagoy/UC Intern)