KORONADAL CITY -- Prevention of grass fire across the region is one of the focal points of Fire Prevention Month this March, officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Region 12 said.
Fire Chief Supt. Louie Puracan, BFP-12 regional director based here, said the public’s cooperation is vital in the government’s campaign to prevent fire, save lives and properties.
While the massive campaign is ongoing against structural fire on residential homes and commercial districts in Region 12 otherwise known as the SOCCSKSARGEN development area, the BFP will also intensify its campaign against grass fires, both intentional and accidental.
Only last year, separate grass fires hit Mt. Apo in Kidapawan City as well as Mt. Matutum in South Cotabato.
“We want to prevent similar grass fire to hit anywhere in the region and every citizen are enjoined to join us in this campaign,” Puracan told reporters.
While March is one of the hottest months in the country and it is during this month when the number of fire cases is highest, the BFP said information dissemination on fire prevention is being done all throughout the year.
Last year, 14,000 fires occurred nationwide, leaving 204 civilians dead and destroying PHP7.8-billion worth of properties, the BFP website stated.
In Region 12, the BFP recorded more than 330 fire incidents in 2017, causing 14 deaths and 20 injuries and damaging more than PHP180 million worth of properties, including the fire that hit Koronadal City’s public market on October 10 last year.
According to the BFP, from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28 this year alone, 1,758 fire incidents were reported nationwide, leaving 22 individuals dead and the leaving over a PHP1 billion worth of properties gone.
It said the top three causes of fire in the Philippines are problematic electrical connections, lit cigarette butts indiscriminately disposed, and open flames from unattended stoves.
The BFP has repeatedly urged the public to put smoke alarms and fire extinguishers inside their homes while business establishments must have fire exits.
During summer, the risk of grass fire triggered by intentional burning of dried leaves or reckless disposal of cigarettes is high, thus, the BFP has focused an intensified education campaign to address it. (PNA)
