Electrical misuse tops causes of fire incidents

CEBU, Philippines - The misuse of electrical appliances, or electricity, is the number one cause of fire incidents in Central Visayas.

In a press conference yesterday with the Association of Government Information Officers-7, Cebu City Fire Marshal Esmael Codilla said that 85-90 percent of fire cases in Region 7 were triggered by misuse of electrical appliances or electricity.

Codilla cited that illegal tapping and flying connection, in which a single house can be a source of electricity supply for several houses, are few of the common examples for electrical misuse.

Further, he pointed out that March is considered as the hottest month of the year which explains why many fire incidents occur. Codilla said that weather temperature easily dries up light materials which are prone to catch fire and can attribute to its fast spreading.

The receding water level at the Buhisan Dam brought about by the El Niño phenomenon is another concern raised by Codilla as the dilemma on water supply would directly affect their responses to fire alarms.

A total of 30 fire incidents are recorded by the Bureau of Fire Protection in Cebu City and as cited by the BFP regional operations chief and Talisay City Fire Marshal Felipe Canillas. Twelve fire incidents are recorded in January, 13 in February with four casualties, and five cases in the early week of this month. 

Moreover, the fire bureau officials shared fire safety tips such as placing phone numbers of fire department/stations near the phone, disposing of waste paper, rubbish and other flammable materials to eliminate fire hazards in the house; keeping matches away from children’s reach; putting the flame out on oil or kerosene lamps before going to bed; keeping flammable materials like gasoline, paint, alcohol, thinner outside of the house; checking regularly the electrical connections and wirings; and switching off electrical appliances when not in use.

With these, Codilla called on the public to advocate fire safety.

“Hunahunaon permi nga ang fire prevention is not just for the firemen but for everyone…let’s make fire prevention an everyday activity to save our lives..the bottom line is preparation,” he said. – Antoniette T. Parce/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)