ILOILO CITY -- The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Iloilo has reiterated the importance of fire prevention among local government units and stakeholders during the Joint Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) and Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) Meeting.

Provincial Fire Marshal FSSupt Bartolome Beliran shared fire prevention tips, noting the increased vulnerability of communities to fire hazards with the onset of dry season.

Beliran said that fire prevention comes through practicing good housekeeping, regular inspection and maintenance of electrical appliances and wirings to avoid short circuits or electrical fires.

Further, the top three causes of fire incidents in the first quarter of the year include rubbish fire, smoking, and ignition of materials from ember exposure.

“The combination of rising temperature and dry vegetation creates a conducive condition for outbreak of fires,” Beliran quoted.

Meanwhile, the estimated damages brought by fire have reached P85,603, 327 for the first quarter.

To note, the month of March was declared as the Fire Prevention Month. This year’s theme, “Sa Pag-iwas sa Sunog, Hindi Ka Nag-iisa,” highlighted the significance of unity and cooperation in ensuring fire-safe and disaster – resilient communities. (AAL/LMLE/PIA Iloilo)