The Quezon City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has reported that the city experienced 279 fire cases during the first quarter of the year, 121 of which happened this March as the nation observed Fire Prevention Month.
Fire Prevention Month is an annual nationwide observance aimed at raising the people’s awareness of the need for safety precautions in order to prevent fires. The QC government strictly enforces ordinances that require all residents and business establishments to comply with fire prevention rules.
According to the BFP’s report, lighted cigarette butts thrown on highly combustible materials and faulty electrical wiring are the 2 most common causes of fires. Unattended electrical gadgets, octopus connections, open fires, unattended cooking stoves and lighted candles or “gasera” are also main causes of fire incidents.
Ironically, despite the government’s awareness program, fires, due to carelessness, still happen – turning several establishments and houses all over the country (especially in Metro Manila) into ashes. Especially vulnerable to incidences of fire are slum areas, where houses are built close to each other and haphazardly constructed, tapping into illegal connections.
In the 279 fire cases, according to BFP, 6 firefighters were injured, 4 civilians died and 19 injured and the estimated total damage was almost Php 17 million.
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
