BFP goes on full alert vs fires during Christmas, New Year

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) went on full alert starting Thursday in anticipation of possible fires during the holidays. In Metro Manila, dzBB radio’s Carlo Mateo reported that National Capital Region fire marshal Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta canceled days-off of firemen on Dec. 24, 25 and 31, and Jan. 1. Cordeta said they expect fire incidents caused by firecrackers and electrical overload during those four days. He also appealed anew to the public to refrain from using firecrackers, or at least designate common areas for firecracker use if they insist on celebrating the holidays with a bang. For the next few days, Cordeta said firefighters will go around Metro Manila campaigning against firecracker use and giving residents fire prevention tips. They will also inspect malls and business establishments for fire safety equipment, he said. Cordeta said they will particularly check malls for flammable materials, and to see if the fire escape routes there are adequate. He said that malls particularly in Manila’s busy Divisoria area are notorious for having inadequate escape routes, or with the fire exits being blocked at some instances. - LBG, GMANews.TV