DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) – The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Dagupan City is ramping up fire safety initiatives this holiday season to protect residents from fire hazards such as faulty Christmas lights, firecrackers, and other risks.
Senior Fire Officer 3 Clemente Amante Battalao, deputy city fire marshal of the BFP-Dagupan, assured the public that the BFP is on heightened alert. He emphasized the agency’s proactive measures, including enhanced preparedness, coordination, and awareness campaigns aimed at safeguarding lives and property during the festive season.
To further strengthen its safety measures, the BFP-Dagupan has rolled out community-centered programs to prevent fire incidents this holiday season:
- “Oplan Paalala” – A door-to-door initiative to educate households on fire safety practices.
- “Oplan Ligtas na Pamayanan” – A program that focuses on barangay-level fire safety training and the creation of auxiliary response groups to empower communities as first responders.
- Use Christmas lights with genuine Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers.
- Regularly inspect LPG tanks and lines for leaks.
- Turn off electrical appliances and the main breaker when leaving home.
- Avoid using banned firecrackers.
Battalao said that these programs and reminders are designed to run until the end of the holiday season or as long as the heightened risk of fire incidents persists.
“In support of these efforts, the BFP-Dagupan works closely with local offices, including the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), and the Panda Volunteer Fire Brigade to promote vigilance and preparedness for a safer holiday season,” Battalao assured.
He also encouraged residents to adopt additional preventive measures, such as familiarizing themselves with fire safety protocols and keeping portable fire extinguishers at home.
For emergencies, residents can contact the BFP-Dagupan emergency hotline at 0917-1842-611.
“Dagupan City has 29 skilled and dedicated firefighters, equipped with three fire trucks and a well-trained team ready to respond to any untoward incidents,” Battalao assured.
Erica Ortiz, 21, a Bachelor of Arts in Communication student from Universidad de Dagupan (UDD) and a current resident of Dagupan City, shared her perspective on the importance of prevention and discipline, especially during the holidays.
“Prevention and discipline should be the top priorities when it comes to maintaining safety and protection, especially during the holidays. Proper use of electricity, gas, and water, which are the main causes of hazards within the house,” she said.
By promoting community involvement, emergency preparedness, and education, the BFP-Dagupan continues to ensure a safe and happy holiday season.
Likewise, the BFP Dagupan encourages residents to follow their official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/bumbero.dagupan for timely updates and opportunities for community involvement. (CCMT/JCDR/CBC/PIA Pangasinan)
