Fire incidents down 56% in CV

CEBU, Philippines - The fire incidents in Central Visayas has decreased by 56 percent compared to last year of the same period, said the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-7.

BFP-7 Director Samuel Tadeo said they are proud that they were able to reduce the number of fire incidents this year compared to the same period in the previous years.

In March 2015, the BFP-7 has recorded a total of 147 fire incidents, with a total damage of P7.8 million, while March 2016 had 77 fire incidents with a total damage of P13.8 million.

This year, however, only saw 44 fire incidents with damages amounting to P2.7 million.

March is designated as Fire Prevention Month.

"Kami ay nagpapasa-lamat na bumaba talaga ang insidente ng sunog," said Tadeo, in an interview after the culminating activity of this year's Fire Prevention Month.

He also thanked the local government units for their support and cooperation in the reduction of fire incidents.

Undersecretary Noel George Puyat of the Presidential Communications Operation Office, who represented Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella, said that a total of P107.3 million has been set aside for the construction of 13 fire stations in Cebu, Bohol and Siquijor.

On behalf of Abella, Puyat thanked the brave men and women of BFP-7 who have always been at the forefront of saving lives and properties in the country.

"Today, we laud the efforts of the bureau in educating the public in this month of fire prevention. Your noble campaign in informing the people of proper safety measures has been recognized and will definitely inure to the benefit of all," Puyat said.

He said that the bureau’s men and women, who put themselves in harm’s way in order to help preserve the nation, are recognized along with the fine upstanding firefighters who serve without any fanfare.

"With better trained and equipped firefighters and additional fire stations, change will come for the better," he said.

As the country approaches what is expected to be yet another scorching summer, Puyat calls upon all sectors of society to support firefighters by actively participating in reducing fire-related incidents and preparing for the worst in any situation. (FREEMAN)