BFP warns against use of lamps, candles, coils

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Bacolod City Fire Marshal, Fire Superintendent Rodolfo Denega warned the public of the dangers of using kerosene lamp, candle and coil mosquito killer if left unattended.

Denega said this proved tragic to a squatter area recently at Barangay 2, this city, where a kerosene lamp reportedly set on fire 50 houses, of light combustible materials, and left scores of families homeless. The damage to properties was estimated to reach P200,000.

The fire-razed area was congested and fire trucks found it difficult to penetrate, said Denega, adding that these informal settlers sites are considered fire hazards or fire traps considering that electrical and fire codes are usually violated blatantly.

Denega urged barangay officials to organize a Barangay Fire Brigade, so that informal settlers would not become a problem but a partner in fire prevention and control.

Each barangay should have a BFB that starts with fire safety seminar then the organization of the brigade. Denega urged the city’s 61 barangays to take the challenge. — Contributed by Lorenzo O. Lambatin Jr. (FREEMAN)