Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Fire office marks 17th founding anniversary
PRESIDENTIAL Management Staff chief Cerge Memonde has extended to the country's fire fighting force the public's gratitude and admiration for saving lives and properties not only during fire but also during calamities.
Remonde, who graced the 17th anniversary rites of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recently, commended the bravery of the firemen in their line of duty.
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Remonde said while everybody's attention was focused on the tragedy of the MV Princess of the Stars, not many knew that the BFP was there helping to distribute relief goods and bring potable water to affected families.
Actually, the BFP has been providing the means to effectively deal with the threat of fire for over 100 years of courageous service, from August 7, 1901, when the first Fire Department was established in Manila. But the 17th anniversary celebrates the signing of Republic Act (RA) 6975 and reconstitution of the fire service into the BFP in 1991.
"The record last year is impressive. While the number of incidents in 2007 was slightly higher than that of 2006 - by 219 - the resulting property damage, loss of lives and injuries were significantly lower. In 2006, there were 686 deaths from 8,823 fires, as against 201 in 2007, from 9,042 incidents. This death rate, in fact, is the lowest in the last five years," Remonde said. (Press release)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (August 6, 2008 issue)
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