Outlet sparks, disrupts work at legislative building

CEBU, Philippines — Work at some offices in the Capitol Legislative Building was disrupted when after a short circuit occurred inside the office of ex-officio board member Earl Tidy Oyas on the 3rd floor of the building yesterday.

SFO3 Emiliano Daño, fire investigator of the Cebu City Fire Station- Guadalupe Substation, said the outlet sparked because of loose connection with the plug of an extension cord.

Engr. Martin Soc Alfafara Jr, of the provincial engineering’s office said, there was a short circuit because of the loose connection and the power load used by the rice cooker and the water dispenser also contributed.

The fire investigator said the damage was “negligible” and did not cause damage to the office and the building.

The alarm was reported at 11:04 a.m. and was immediately put out at 11:08 a.m. after the employees used the fire extinguisher.

According to Daño, the panel board of the building is not functioning and that Capitol needs to rehabilitate its fire detection and alarm system.

Last year, fire personnel of Guadalupe fire substation had an annual inspection of the buildings inside the premises of the Capitol compound.

Daño observed that although there are fire exits in the legislative building, some are not easy to access for the employees.

Example is the fourth floor where employees have to run to the vice governor’s office on the left side of the building or to the session hall on the right side before they can access the fire exit.

It also was observed there are things outside the offices that partly block the hallway leading to the exit area.

Ainjeliz dela Torre-Orong, Provincial Information Officer, said Capitol has been compliant with BFP’s requirement such as fire extinguishers and fire exits.

Tomorrow, the BFP-Guadalupe substation is set to conduct an inspection in all buildings and structures inside the Capitol compound. (FREEMAN)