BUTUAN CITY—To mark Fire Prevention Month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Caraga reiterated the most commonly recorded causes of fires in the region and reminded households to be vigilant.
Chief Supt. Rodolfo P. Denaga, BFP Caraga regional director, said during Kapihan sa PIA on March 5 at SM City Butuan that the most common causes of fires in 2024 were electrical connections/installations, open flames and unattended cooking.
“We have activities that mitigate the causes of fire. We conduct inspections of residential and commercial establishments to raise awareness and prevent incidents,” he said.
He added that they also conduct the Fire Square Roadshow, a series of activities with fire safety tips to strengthen community resilience.
“We encourage local government units to establish fire substations so we can deliver immediate service to the people – prevention and suppression of destructive fires in buildings and infrastructure in their respective localities,” Denaga said.
“As we conduct house-to-house inspections in line with our advocacy to prevent fire incidents, we reiterate that every household should identify potential threats inside their houses, such as oil or kerosene, which could easily catch fire. Good housekeeping should also be maintained,” Denaga stressed.
He also emphasized that the BFP continues to plant trees as part of its strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“We have various activities not only related to our mandate but also with our aim to address the negative effects of climate change to protect lives,” he said.
“This year, we are doubling our efforts to ensure the number of fire incidents is minimized,” Denaga said.
Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Peter Sean Anthony T. Atup, BFP Caraga assistant regional director for operations, highlighted the relevance of the “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan” Program.
“Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan is the BFP’s response to the ever-growing demand for a more adaptive, comprehensive and immersive fire protection program for communities, rural and urban villages and barangays,” he said.
“Each of us should have the contact number/hotline of our nearest fire station saved on our mobile phones, so that during emergencies, one can easily access and call for immediate response,” he added.
The Bureau of Fire Protection is responsible for the prevention and suppression of destructive fires in buildings, houses and other structures, forests, land transportation vehicles and equipment, ships or vessels docked at piers or wharves or anchored in major seaports, and petroleum industry installations.
The bureau commits to prevent and suppress destructive fires, investigate their causes, enforce the Fire Code and other related laws, and respond to man-made and natural disasters and other emergencies. (JPG, PIA Caraga)
