VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA)– The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Ilocos Sur aims for zero firecracker-related incidents during the 2024 Christmas and New Year celebrations, following a successful 2023 campaign that yielded zero incidents.
This was stated by Fire Officer Franklin L. Calica of the BFP-Ilocos Sur Provincial Headquarters in an interview on Dec. 10 in the Serbisyo Publiko Media Forum.
Calica also reminded the public to observe caution and be responsible as they indulge in the festivities.
“We launched “Oplan Paalala: Iwas Paputok,” an advocacy campaign wherein our firetrucks conduct rounds every day to remind the public to practice safe ways of celebrating that will not cause any danger or casualty caused by the disastrous fire,” Calica said.
Calica expressed hope of maintaining last year’s success through various initiatives, including fire safety awareness campaigns in barangays and an enhanced community monitoring program that involves distributing safety flyers and posting tarpaulins with fire prevention tips.
He further advised the public to use alternative sound-making devices instead of pyrotechnics and fireworks during the celebrations.
BFP Ilocos Sur Fire Marshal Ramel B. Borja meanwhile shared some reminders to guide residents as they navigate through the holiday season during a separate interview.
“Abide by regulations, do not use prohibited firecrackers nor purchase illegally, and buy firecrackers from licensed vendors only,” Borja said.
Borja also advised the public to prepare a bucket of water near firework lighting areas as a precaution if something catches fire, and to immediately have water to rinse the face or eye with if any accident arises.
He also reminded the public to exercise caution when discarding firecrackers, ensuring they are not thrown near flammable materials like stacked paper or curtains.
Emerson Garcia, a resident of Barangay Solid West here, commended the BFP for their service to the public with their annual initiative for the holidays.
“I support this program because this is for the public’s safety; to prevent things that should not happen such as fire incidents, and I think we can still make noise without using firecrackers,” he said.
BFP-Ilocos Sur will maintain continuous monitoring throughout the Christmas and New Year holidays through roving with their fire trucks once a day while also blasting safety tips on their speakers to support and enforce this campaign.
This initiative, according to the BFP, is amplified by roving twice a day on Dec. 24 and 25, as well as during New Year’s Day on Jan. 1.
All the fire stations in the 34 LGUs are also prepared with their equipment in case of an emergency, and they also continue to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the local governments in Ilocos Sur to safeguard the province.(CCMT/ATV/VGS, PIA Ilocos Sur)
