SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-La Union warned the public about the use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnics in celebrating the upcoming new year, which may cause untoward fire incidents.
Fire Inspector Ariston Tabali, municipal fire marshal of the Agoo Fire Station, said that they issued the warning so the public can avoid pyrotechnics-related accidents that may cause loss of lives and loss of valued investments due to fires.
Tabali said that the La Union Fire Station has been conducting information dissemination through its roving fire truck to educate the residents about the initial actions that must be conducted in case a fire transpires in their area.
“Sa pamamagitan ng paglilibot natin sa bawat barangay, sa iba’t ibang munisipyo sa La Union, naipapaalala po ang mga importanteng fire safety tips lalo po ‘yong pagbibigay babala doon sa mga panganib na dulot ng paggamit ng paputok,” he added.
(Through our initiative in roaming around barangays and in various municipalities of La Union, the public is reminded of fire safety tips especially warnings on the possible effects of firecrackers.)
Tabali further added that parents should not allow their children to play with “watusi” or a popular yet poisonous firework, as children mistake it for candy.
“In connection po sa ating ‘Oplan Paalala Iwas Paputok’ campaign, meron po kaming ‘Torotot ni Berong’ program na kung saan mamamahagi kami ng mga torotot sa mga daycare pupils para mamulat ang ating mga kababayan sa murang edad pa lang na may mga alternative na pamamaraan para magcelebrate ng bagong taon, hindi lang sa fire crackers,” he explained.
(In connection with the ‘Oplan Paalala Iwas Paputok’ campaign, we implemented the ‘Torotot ni Berong’ program through the distribution of ‘torotot’ to daycare pupils which serves as their wake-up call on the alternative ways to celebrate New Year without using firecrackers.)
The public is also advised to buy firecrackers from registered sellers and vendors only to ensure that the items pass through proper inspection and are safe for public use.
Further, the BFP has enhanced its visibility for the public’s awareness of preventing fire incidents to welcome the New Year. (JCR/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
