LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ilocos Norte is taking proactive steps to ensure a safe and fire-free New Year celebration.
According to BFP Ilocos Norte Public Information Unit Chief, Fire Officer III Lee Jay Lucero, they already started their “Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok” campaign to raise awareness on fire safety when using firecrackers and Christmas lights during the holiday season, starting December 1.
This initiative encourages the public to avoid using dangerous firecrackers and use safer alternatives instead.
The campaign includes regular fire truck patrols to increase visibility, along with public announcements to share fire safety tips and remind residents to exercise caution when using firecrackers.
BFP Ilocos Norte Provincial Fire Marshall Roxanne Parado meanwhile said that they are also increasing firetruck visibility around the province through this campaign.
“BFP personnel in all cities and municipalities are conducting daily patrols through our Oplan Paalala-Iwas Paputok campaign. They visit communities to talk to the public, distribute flyers, and hand out Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on fire safety and firecracker safety,” she said.
To minimize fire risks during the New Year festivities, the BFP will set up designated firecracker zones in each barangay around the province.
These areas will be used as areas for safe firecracker use, reducing the chance of accidents in residential neighborhoods.
The BFP is also conducting ongoing fire safety inspections at businesses selling firecrackers, fireworks, and Christmas decorations. Businesses that pass the inspections will receive a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate (FSIC), ensuring that their products meet Philippine quality standards and are safe for use.
According to Parado, the BFP will extend the deployment of their First Aid Service Teams (FAST) to major churches throughout the province to provide immediate assistance during the night mass leading up to New Year’s Eve.
Liezel Bumanglag, a resident of Brgy. Lagui-Sail, Laoag City showed appreciation in these initiatives to ensure the safety of their community during the festivities.
“I’m glad that the BFP is conducting these types of programs this upcoming New Year, especially because there are still people who make and use bogas [improvised cannos] and dangerous firecrackers as noise-makers. Through this, the public can be informed on the safe ways we can celebrate and avoid fire incidents during our celebrations,” Bumanglag said.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) Region 1, only one firecracker-related incident was recorded in Ilocos Norte during the New Year celebration of 2024.
By implementing heightened fire safety measures, conducting regular inspections, and running active public awareness campaigns, the BFP aims to minimize the risk of fire and firecracker-related incidents, ensuring that residents can welcome the New Year in safety and peace of mind. (CCMT/EJFG/MTDA, PIA Ilocos Norte)
