LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte (PIA) – As part of the observance of the Fire Prevention this month, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Ilocos Norte intensifies its campaign to raise awareness on fire prevention and safety in the communities.

On March 4, the BFP has kicked off the monthly observance at a commercial mall wherein they promoted their mandates and operations as a government office tasked for the suppression and prevention of destructive fires.

Moreover, they awarded stakeholders who helped and assisted in clearing forest fires. These agencies were Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office (INPPO) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), among others.

To engage and familiarize the kids with the fire bureau, they are given loots and some even tried on BFP uniforms.

Mallgoers were also educated with fire safety tips and got to experience basic rappelling or climbing technique.

Superintendent Roxanne Parado, provincial fire marshal of BFP-Ilocos Norte, said their office continues to conduct fire drills, intensive fire safety information drives, and house-to-house visitation to educate households and establishments to reduce the possibility of fire incidents.

“I always tell the public not to burn waste when you cannot control the fire responsibly. One of the most common causes of fire is unattended cooking. You have to be responsible so you can help prevent fire accidents,” said Parado.

The BFP is presently visiting barangays to further complete its hazard mapping to identify fire-prone areas in Ilocos Norte.

The hazard map will give a visual guide to firefighters in determining the entry and exit points, obstructions, and densely populated areas in the barangays. Further, it also presents the width of the streets to give way for the firetrucks to navigate the area, preventing them from being delayed in times of fire emergencies.

Parado said the BFP continues to enjoin the public to be fire conscious and think like a firefighter so more lives will be saved from any fire incidents. (JCR/MJTAB/PIA Ilocos Norte)