BFP pushes for reblocking

CEBU, Philippines — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Mandaue City has recommended to the City Council that the local government can help prevent the spread of fires by addressing road accessibility for emergency vehicles and exploring the possibility of house reblocking.

This was raised after Fire Superintendent Arnel Abella, city fire marshal of BFP-Mandaue City, who made a presentation during the regular council session yesterday highlighting that fire incidents this year have significantly increased compared to last year.

Based on BFP-Mandaue City’s data, fire damage during the month of March in 2024 amounted to ?1,628,000, while in 2025 it has already reached ?5,060,000.

“Karon g’yud ang dagko kay out sa pito fire incidents, lima ana kay residential areas nga dinagko,” said Abella.

The most common causes of fire incidents were electrical wiring issues, particularly substandard wiring.

“Based sa mga investigations nato, most is electrical fire g’yud ang cause,” Abella added.

Abella said most of the residential areas affected by fires are inhabited by informal settlers and their electrical wirings aren’t checked since they don’t go through the BFP.

He advised that if possible, houses in the area should be inspected before electrical wiring is installed, especially since most of the houses are made of light materials, which are more vulnerable to fires.

Councilor Joel Seno and other members of council asked Abella what the city can provide to help prevent or at least assist the BFP during incidents like these. Abella explained that of the seven fire incidents, five occurred in residential areas. He noted that firefighters faced difficulties during their response due to the lack of road access.

He said that most areas, like Barangays Mantuyong and Paknaan, have limited road access for responders because the roads are very narrow and difficult to navigate. He recalled that one of the fire trucks that responded to a fire in the city needed 42 hoses just to access the area.

“Ingon ana siya kalayo kay very inaccessible ang mga roads,” said Abella.

With this, Abella appealed to the council to help create access roads, especially in fire-prone areas, for all emergency vehicles, not just fire trucks.

Additionally, Abella said that, if possible, the residential areas in the city also need house reblocking. He said that most residential areas in the city have closely-packed houses, making it easy for the fire to spread quickly.

“Kung ma-reblock, at least, makasod ang atoang mga responders maiwasan nato nga mokatag ang kayo,” said Abella.

Abella also said that ideally, it would be better to reblock the existing residences, but he also mentioned that it would be difficult to demolish them.

“Alangan gubaon nato to, pero dili sad nato hulaton nga masunog sad na siya,” said Abella.

He said that he will wait for the council’s decision on what can be done, as he has already expressed his concerns to the BFP about possible solutions.

Although Fire Prevention Month has ended, Abella said that the BFP-Mandaue City has been working double-time, especially with the hot weather. They continue to conduct roving patrols day and night, as well as maintain fire truck visibility.

“Importante man gud karong panahona kay prevention g’yud ta, ang goal nato is mahimong fire safety-conscious ang publiko,” said Abella.

While the council acknowledged Abella’s concern, city administrator Jamaal James Calipayan also agreed with the fire marshal’s suggestion. He said that, ideally, reblocking should be proactive, especially in areas with narrow and difficult-to-access roads, rather than waiting for a fire to occur.

However, he said that there is a lot of work involved, especially since it requires relocating their homes, and some residents may end up losing their properties as a result. — (FREEMAN)