BFP warns of fires caused by campaign materials on power lines

Here's another reason for candidates not to place posters, streamers and other campaign materials on power and phone lines: these may trigger fires. The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) made the warning as some candidates have continued putting their campaign materials on power lines, as the May 10 polls draw near. Metro Manila fire marshal Senior Superintendent Pablito Cordeta said the materials and the summer heat might cause the insulation of power cables to melt.

A dzBB report quoted Cordeta as saying that a short circuit may result if the insulation melts, even as he pointed out that the summer heat is expected to intensify in May. Several areas in Metro Manila have become giant poster areas, with candidates placing their posters and streamers even on electrical and phone lines. On the other hand, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier warned temperatures in Metro Manila may go up to 41 degrees Celsius. Cordeta also urged Metro Manila residents to keep their homes tidy, noting many fires stemmed from poor housekeeping and "human carelessness." — GMANews.TV