BFP suspends routine inspections during holidays

MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has suspended all routine fire safety inspections in Metro Manila during the Christmas season so fire marshals would not be suspected of trying to solicit gifts or donations from business establishments.

BFP-National Capital Region director Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta said the suspension would be from Dec. 15, 2010 to Jan. 15, 2011.

He ordered all district fire marshals in the metropolis to refrain from conducting inspections on various establishments like malls, commercial buildings, restaurants, amusement parks and hotels.

Cordeta, however, said there will be exemptions from the suspension: fire marshals will still inspect establishments with complaints, structures with pending application for new business permit, buildings whose owners are applying for occupancy permits and structures posing imminent danger.

At the same time, Cordeta urged the public to be extra cautious since December is a high-risk month for fires.

“Establishments such as firecracker factories, hospitals, universities, malls and squatter areas are prone to fire this month because of their high consumption of electricity,” he said.