In response to the escalating fire incidents across the nation, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is partnering with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to introduce a dedicated hotline aimed at addressing this critical issue.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has called upon residents of Metro Manila to take proactive measures by engaging competent BFP personnel to inspect their electrical lines. As part of this initiative, the BFP is in the planning stages of establishing a hotline catering to National Capital Region residents. This hotline will allow them to request voluntary inspections of their homes’ electrical connections, ultimately aiming to mitigate the risk of fire incidents in local communities.
Highlighting the collaborative effort, Secretary Abalos underscored the significance of this step as he urged NCR residents to participate in the voluntary inspection program, emphasizing the importance of checking electrical lines to prevent potential fire hazards.
BFP Director Louie S. Puracan reported a notable increase in fire incidents this year compared to the previous year. Puracan disclosed that over 3,200 fires have been recorded nationwide, marking a 26% rise from the same period last year and resulting in 74 casualties. Notably, 600 fire incidents were reported in the NCR from January to February alone.
Secretary Abalos commended the BFP’s proactive approach in extending services to barangays through the hotline, viewing it as a crucial step toward reducing fire incidents. He stressed that a significant number of fire cases originate from overheated appliances, with electric fans being a common culprit.
“Bakit? Nag-o-overheat ang electric fan. Sa sobrang init, nagi-spark at iyan ang sanhi. Kaya ‘yung mga nakikinig ngayon, pag-ingatan n’yo mga electric fan n’yo,” Abalos advised.
He further urged the public to prioritize safety by having electrical connections and old appliances thoroughly checked or replaced. Identified causes of fires include electrical ignition due to arcing and overloading, as well as discarded cigarette butts.
Director Puracan confirmed ongoing training initiatives for BFP personnel to ensure swift responses to residents’ calls for electrical inspections. He also urged the public to exercise caution during March, the peak of the hot season, exacerbated by the prevailing El Niño phenomenon.
This joint effort by the DILG and BFP aims to create a safer environment for residents, emphasizing the importance of preventive measures and community engagement to combat the increasing threat of fire incidents.